Decimal Place Values
Grade 8 math lesson on decimal place values including tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and beyond. Students learn to identify and interpret digits in decimal positions, compare decimal numbers, and understand the relationship between fractions and decimals.
Key Concepts
Property To read a decimal number, we read the whole number part, say "and" at the decimal point, and then read the fraction part. To read the fraction part of a decimal number we read the digits as though the digits formed a whole number, and then we name the place value of the final digit.
Examples 12.05 is read as "twelve and five hundredths" because the last digit, 5, is in the hundredths place. 0.125 is read as "one hundred twenty five thousandths" because the last digit, 5, is in the thousandths place.
Explanation The decimal point is a separator, like a fence between whole numbers and their fractional parts. For the number to the left, you just read it as usual. When you hit the dot, say 'and.' For the number to the right, read it like a normal number, then finish by naming the place value of the very last digit. It's like giving a number a first and last name!
Common Questions
What are decimal place values?
Decimal place values are the positions of digits after the decimal point. The first place is tenths (1/10), second is hundredths (1/100), third is thousandths (1/1000), and so on. Each position is 10 times smaller than the one to its left.
How do you read a decimal number?
To read a decimal, say the whole number part, then say and for the decimal point, then read the decimal digits as a whole number followed by the place value of the last digit. For example, 4.57 is read as four and fifty-seven hundredths.
How do you compare decimal numbers?
To compare decimals, line them up by the decimal point and compare digit by digit from left to right. The number with the larger digit in the highest position is greater.
How do decimal place values relate to fractions?
Each decimal place represents a fraction with a power of 10 in the denominator. Tenths = 1/10, hundredths = 1/100, thousandths = 1/1000. For example, 0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4.