Last updated on July 5th, 2025
The word “terminate” comes from Latin and means to bring to an end or cease. Terminating decimals are decimal numbers that end after a certain number of digits. In short, the numbers after the decimal point will be finite or terminating.
Decimals represent the partial amount of a whole number. These decimals are of two types, terminating decimals and non-terminating decimals. Terminating decimals are those decimal numbers where the values after the decimal point come to an end. For example, if we divide 1/4 we get 0.25, which is a terminating decimal because it ends after two decimal places.
Non-terminating decimals are those decimal numbers that do not end after some decimal value. These are then again divided into two categories: non-terminating recurring decimal expansion and non-terminating non-recurring decimal expansion. Let’s say for 1/3 and 3.
You can determine whether a decimal number is terminating by checking the following conditions:
Identifying terminating decimals can be easy if you know the right tricks. Here are some simple tips to help you quickly recognize and remember them.
Terminating decimals are not just used in math class, they play an important role in everyday life. From money and measurements to science and sports, these decimals help us make accurate calculations in various real-world situations.
Understanding decimals that terminate is important for students while learning. This is because it makes their calculations easier. However, students often make mistakes in identifying them. Here are five common mistakes that students might make and how to avoid them.
Is 7/20 a terminating decimal?
Yes, 7/20 = 0.35 is a terminating decimal.
The denominator 20 has prime factors 2 × 2 × 5, which are only 2s and 5s, so the decimal terminates.
Convert 5.6 into a fraction and check if it is a terminating decimal.
5.6 = 5610 = 285, which is a terminating decimal.
When we divide 28 by 5, we get 5.6, which ends after one decimal place, so it is a terminating decimal.
Jake has 8 chocolates, and he shares them equally among 5 friends. How many chocolates does each friend get?
Each friend gets 1.6 chocolates.
Dividing 8 by 5 gives 1.6, which stops after one decimal place, so it is a terminating decimal.
Express 78 as a decimal.
78 = 0.875
Dividing 7 by 8 results in 0.875, which ends after three decimal places, making it a terminating decimal.
Is 0.48 a terminating decimal?
Yes, 0.48 is a terminating decimal.
The decimal 0.48 has only two decimal places and does not go on forever, so it is a terminating decimal.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.