An Introduction to Decimals
In this section, I will learn how to represent decimals:
- in tenths
- in hundredths
- using many different forms such as fractions, pictures, money, base ten blocks and number lines
How are Fraction and Decimals the same?
Fractions and decimals are actually two ways of showing the SAME thing. They are synonyms for each other! But, how do we go from a fraction to a decimal? Try this: Take 4/10, for example. Use a calculator to find its decimal form. Type in 4 ÷ 10 = What do you notice? This number is 0.4, it is the decimal form of 4/10. Next, see what happens when we take 4/100. Again, use a calculator to find its decimal form. Type in 4/100 = What do you notice? This number is 0.04, it's the decimal form of 4/100. |
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Fractions and Decimals in Base Ten Form
When we refer to fractions and decimals, we need to change our whole frame of thinking of base ten blocks. The "hundreds flats", in the next examples, are going to actually represent the number 1. Because of this, base "ten rods" are called tenths. Why? Think of it like this: it takes ten of them to make one whole. One of the rods represents 1 out of 10 of the total. If the "hundreds flats" are 1, then we also have to change the meaning of a "unit cube". How many "unit cubes" make up a "hundred flat"? There are 100! Hundredths are represented by the "unit cubes". |
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Where are Fractions and Decimals found on a number line?
Remember, these special numbers are found between 0 and 1. Let's take a look at two examples here: 0.3 is read as three tenths. On a number line, this is like dividing our number line into 10 parts and skipping 3 times from zero! If we had 0.03, this reads as three hundredths. On a number line, this is like dividing our number line into 100 parts and skipping 3 times from zero. |
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Money as a Decimals
Money is related to decimals and each cent or dollar amount has a decimal number. Take a look at the image below to find out more!
Money is related to decimals and each cent or dollar amount has a decimal number. Take a look at the image below to find out more!
Practice Questions:
Choose one of the following to complete.
1) Now that you have seen decimals, list 5 real life examples of where you may have seen a decimal number.
2) Write and draw at least 4 different ways to show the number 0.28. HINT: fractions, decimals, words, pictures, money, base ten blocks?
3) Explain in words and pictures how 0.6 and 0.60 are the same number.
Choose one of the following to complete.
1) Now that you have seen decimals, list 5 real life examples of where you may have seen a decimal number.
2) Write and draw at least 4 different ways to show the number 0.28. HINT: fractions, decimals, words, pictures, money, base ten blocks?
3) Explain in words and pictures how 0.6 and 0.60 are the same number.