††††The decimal system of numbers is based on a scale of ten symbols from 0 to 9. Decimal places are the number of figures written to the right of the decimal point. The point separates whole numbers on the left from decimal fractions on the right. In decimal weights or measures, each coin, weight or measure is ten times the value of the one immediately below it.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans used a decimal system. The decimal point appears to have been in general use in about 1585, although the occasional use of decimal fractions can be traced back as far as the 12th century.
