Definition of decimal point

The decimal point, a small dot used to separate decimal fractions in a number, has a fascinating historical origin. It wasn't always an inherent part of the decimal system as we know it today. In fact, the concept of the decimal point was not officially acknowledged until the early 17th century. The initial idea of the decimal system originated from the Indian mathematician, Brāhmagupta, during the 7th century. He devised a place-value system using a decimal point something similar to the way we use it today. However, these decimal numbers were written without a decimal point, with the units in the lowest position followed by successively larger units to the left. This was a rather cumbersome way of writing decimal numbers and caused confusion, especially when it came to dividing and multiplying decimals. The concept of the decimal point was then introduced by a British mathematician and scientist, John Wallis, in 1685. He proposed that a small dot be placed between whole numbers and decimal fractions, as a visual marker, in a paper intended to be submitted to the Royal Society. The proposal was initially met with skepticism, as it was deemed too unconventional, but Wallis' ideas were soon adopted by other mathematicians and eventually adopted worldwide. The decimal point was formally acknowledged and officially recognized in mathematical circles thanks to the efforts of the British mathematician, John Napier, the inventor of logarithms who also saw its value in simplifying decimal arithmetic. Napier published his “Rhymes” in 1617, which included the hexadecimal counting system, decimal fractions, and the decimal point. The decimal point became routinely used after its inclusion in the book written by the British mathematician, Tellegen in 1694, which helped settle the matter of the decimal point’s formal recognition. In conclusion, the decimal point, the small dot used to separate decimal fractions, has a fascinating history that originated from the Indian mathematician, Brāhmagupta, during the 7th century. Its official recognition, however, was the result of the efforts of several British mathematicians, including John Wallis, John Napier, and Christian Krieg. The decimal point changed the