Which data type typically represents a floating-point number?

The data type that typically represents a floating-point number is the float. Float, short for floating-point, is specifically designed to handle numbers that are not whole, meaning they can contain decimal points. This data type allows for a wide range of values, supporting both very small and very large numbers, which makes it ideal for representing real numbers in programming.

In contrast, the other data types serve different purposes. The int data type is used for whole numbers without any fractional component. The char data type represents single characters, such as letters or symbols. Finally, the bool data type is used for representing boolean values, which can only be true or false. Thus, float is the appropriate choice for functioning with decimal numbers and performing calculations that require precision with fractional values.