What type of numbers does the floating point data type represent?

The floating point data type is specifically designed to represent numbers that have a fractional component, which means it can handle decimals. This allows for a vast range of values, including those with significant digits both before and after the decimal point. For example, it can represent numbers such as 3.14, -0.001, or 2.71828, all of which are not whole numbers but rather decimal values.

Floating point representation is essential in various applications where precision is necessary, such as scientific calculations, graphics programming, and monetary values that require more accuracy than integer types can provide. It enables computers to perform calculations that involve fractions, which would not be possible if limited to only whole numbers.

The other types of data mentioned do not reflect the capabilities of floating point representation; whole numbers are typically represented as integers, binary values refer to a base-2 numeral system, and text strings represent sequences of characters. Therefore, the choice of decimals aligns precisely with the purpose of floating point data types.