What is the term used to describe the symbol that separates the ones place from the tenths place in decimals?

The term that describes the symbol separating the ones place from the tenths place in decimals is known as the decimal point. The decimal point is a critical element in the representation of decimal numbers, indicating where the whole number portion ends and the fractional portion begins. For example, in the number 3.4, the decimal point shows that there are three whole units and four tenths. This distinction is essential for understanding the value of digits in a decimal number.

In contrast, the other terms provided do not refer to this specific function. The decimal place can refer to the position of a digit in a decimal number but does not denote the symbol itself. The fraction bar is used to separate the numerator from the denominator in a fraction and is unrelated to decimals. The whole number generally refers to integers without fractions or decimals and does not pertain specifically to the separation of decimal values. Understanding these definitions clarifies the unique role of the decimal point in numeration.