Which term describes a number that contains a decimal point and represents a part of a whole?

The term that describes a number containing a decimal point and representing a part of a whole is "decimal." Decimals are used to express numbers that are not whole, allowing for a more precise representation of values. For example, the number 3.5 is a decimal, which shows that it is composed of the whole number 3 and an additional part, represented by the .5. This differentiates decimals from integers, which are complete whole numbers, and fractions that represent parts of a whole but are typically displayed as a ratio rather than with a decimal point. Whole numbers are also distinct, as they do not include any fractional or decimal components. Thus, the correct answer is "decimal," as it specifically highlights the presence of a decimal point and the relationship to parts of a whole.