Dime

Definition

A dime is a United States coin with a value of ten cents. It is the smallest denomination of US currency and is commonly used in everyday financial transactions and as part of mathematical calculations involving money.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A dime is made of a copper-nickel alloy and has a diameter of 17.91 millimeters.
2. The dime was first minted in the United States in 1796 and has been in continuous production since then.
3. Dimes are commonly used in mixture applications, such as calculating the total value of a collection of coins.
4. The dime is the second-smallest US coin in circulation, with the penny being the smallest.
5. The dime is an important unit of measurement in the decimal system, as it represents one-tenth of a dollar.

Review Questions

• Explain how the dime is used in mixture applications.
  • In mixture applications, the dime is used to represent a specific monetary value that can be combined with other coin denominations to calculate the total value of a collection. For example, if you have a mixture of dimes, nickels, and quarters, you can use the value of the dime (10 cents) to determine the overall worth of the collection by multiplying the number of dimes by 10 and adding the values of the other coins.
• Describe the relationship between the dime and the decimal system.
  • The dime is an integral part of the decimal system used in US currency. As a coin worth one-tenth of a dollar, the dime represents a decimal place in the monetary system. This allows for easy conversion between dimes, dollars, and other decimal-based units of currency, making it a crucial component in financial calculations and transactions involving money.
• Analyze the significance of the dime's size and composition in the context of mixture applications.
  • The small size and copper-nickel alloy composition of the dime make it a practical and versatile coin for use in mixture applications. Its compact size allows it to be easily combined with other coins, while its metallic properties ensure durability and consistent value. The dime's specific value of 10 cents also makes it a useful unit of measurement when calculating the total worth of a collection of coins, as its decimal-based value can be easily integrated into mathematical operations involving money.

Related terms

Coin: A piece of metal, usually circular in shape, that is used as money or currency.

Currency: The money or medium of exchange that is in circulation within a particular country or community.

Decimal System: A numeral system in which numbers are represented using ten digits (0-9) and the value of each digit is determined by its position in the number.