Understanding Decimals
Decimals help us represent numbers that are less than 1 or between whole numbers.
Just like fractions, decimals show parts of a whole. The decimal point separates the whole number part from the fractional part. Each place after the decimal point has a special name and value!
Working with Decimals
1️⃣ Identify place values - Know what each digit represents
2️⃣ Compare decimals - Look at each place value from left to right
3️⃣ Add/subtract decimals - Line up the decimal points first!
Let's Practice!
Example 1: Decimal Place Value
What is the value of the digit 4 in the number 2.346?
The digit 4 is in the hundredths place, so its value is 4 hundredths or 0.04!
Example 2: Comparing Decimals
Which is larger: 0.65 or 0.7?
0.7 is larger than 0.65 because 7 tenths (0.7) is more than 6 tenths and 5 hundredths (0.65)!
Remember: 0.7 is the same as 0.70
Parent Tips 🌟
- Money makes sense - Use dollars and cents to practice decimal concepts ($1.25 is 1 and 25 hundredths)
- Kitchen measurements - Cooking together provides great opportunities to measure ingredients using decimals (0.5 cups, 1.25 teaspoons)
- Decimal scavenger hunt - Look for decimals in everyday life (sports statistics, weather reports, store prices)