Question

New mathematica user.. going over tutorial...
What is the difference between a "decimal", "digit" and "decimal digit" ?
given pi = 3.14
I assume the following, and please correct me if wrong...
the first digit = 3 ?
the first decimal = 1 ?
but then what would be considered
the first "decimal digit" ?
is it 1 or 3?
I'm asking because Im trying to work out if I need to put n[pi,1] or n[pi,2] into mathemtica to find the first "decimal digit" of pi.

Answer 1

@wio probably knows.

Answer 2

From my understanding, both "decimal" and "digit" mean the same thing, but the \(n\)th "decimal digit" might refer to the \(n\)th digit after the decimal point. Using this convention, you would evaluate `N[Pi, 2]` to get the first two digits/decimals of \(\pi\), with the last listed digit being the first decimal digit of \(\pi\).

Answer 3

Actually, "decimal" more accurately refers to any number written in base 10, made up of "digits" (numerals 0-9).

Answer 4

thanks... I still find it very confusing but I'm leaning towards the idea too that 'decimal digits' is asking for the nth digit after the decimal place, however, taken literally wouldnt that term actually mean 'a base ten digit' which would have to include the first digit of 3. In which case the code would be n[pi,1]. I guess I need to ask the professor for clarification, there seems to not be a clear standard for this term.