With the decimal, though, it is degrees, minutes and decimal of minutes. 4.0 would be 4 minutes and zero seconds. 2.97 would be 2 degrees and 58.2 seconds (not practical for following a course).
Though I have never heard of fractional headings. Locations and bearings, yes. Headings, no.
Are they headings and distances? 4.0 miles at 50°? (And remember a nautical mile is 6,000 feet).