What does a floating-point number allow in programming?

A floating-point number is a data type in programming that allows for the representation of real numbers, which can include both whole numbers and fractions (decimals). This capability makes floating-point numbers suitable for a wide range of calculations requiring precision, such as mathematical computations that involve real-world measurements, scientific data, and graphics.

Floating-point numbers consist of a significant (or mantissa) and an exponent, which together allow them to represent values that are much larger or smaller than those that can be conveyed by integers. This flexibility in representation enables programmers to work with numbers that require precision beyond whole numbers, thus providing an essential tool for various applications, including those in engineering, physics, and finance.

Given this definition, it is clear why including both whole numbers and fractions is the defining characteristic of floating-point numbers.