A denominate number is a number with a name, such as 5 miles, 10 meters, 3 pounds, or 6 grams, rather than just 5, 10, 3, or 6. De-nominate numbers are usually measurements. Parts of denominate numbers are sometimes indicated by decimals, such as $4.30, 8.14 inches, or 5.41 meters. When the numbers are written this way, they can be added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided, as any other decimals are.
Many denominate numbers contain irregular subdivisions. For example, 1 rod contains 5½ yards, 1 yard contains 3 feet, and 1 foot contains 12 inches. A denominate number which contains two or more irregular subdivisions is called a compound denominate number. 6 yards 4 feet 9 inches is an example. Such compounds are more difficult to add, subtract, multiply, or divide, because the subdivisions must first be reduced (changed) to the same denomination (unit of measurement) before the operations are performed.
