Reading decimal numbers
Reading decimal numbers means correctly naming each part of a decimal using place value. The number 4.73 is read "four and seventy-three hundredths," not "four point seven three." The digits to the left of the decimal are whole numbers; those to the right are fractional parts: tenths, hundredths, thousandths. The word "and" in decimal reading marks the decimal point. This 7th grade foundational skill from Saxon Math Course 2 ensures students can interpret and communicate numerical values accurately in science, finance, and everyday measurement.
Key Concepts
Property To read a decimal number, first read the whole number part. Say 'and' for the decimal point. Then, read the digits to the right of the decimal point as a whole number and say the name of the last decimal place.
Examples $15.45$ is read as 'Fifteen and forty five hundredths'. $250.008$ is read as 'Two hundred fifty and eight thousandths'. $0.9$ is read simply as 'Nine tenths'.
Explanation Reading decimals is a three step dance! First, say the number on the left. Second, when you hit the decimal point, announce 'and'! Third, read the number on the right like it's a normal number, then finish by naming its final place value (like 'thousandths'). It's like introducing a family: 'Meet Mr. Twelve AND his kid, Thirty Five Hundredths!'.
Common Questions
How do you read a decimal number correctly?
Read the whole number part, say "and" for the decimal point, then read the decimal digits as a whole number followed by the place name of the last digit. For 4.73: "four and seventy-three hundredths."
How do you say the decimal point in a number?
In formal reading, the decimal point is said as "and." So 3.5 is "three and five tenths." In casual speech, it is sometimes read as "point" (three point five), but the formal way is preferred in math.
What place value names come after the decimal point?
From left to right: tenths, hundredths, thousandths, ten-thousandths. Each position is 1/10 of the previous one.
What grade practices reading decimal numbers?
Reading decimal numbers is reviewed in 7th grade Saxon Math Course 2 as part of number sense and decimal operation preparation.
How do you read 0.008?
0.008 is read as "eight thousandths." The 8 is in the thousandths place (three places to the right of the decimal point).
Why is proper decimal reading important?
Misreading decimals leads to errors in measurement, calculation, and communication. In science and medicine, misinterpreting "0.5 mg" as "5 mg" could be dangerous.