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U.1 Identify the decimal number illustrated

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What are decimals?

Decimals are numbers that show parts of a whole. A decimal point (.) separates the whole number part from the fractional part.

Examples:
  • 1.2 means 1 whole and 2 tenths
  • 3.45 means 3 wholes, 4 tenths, and 5 hundredths
Note

The value of each digit depends on its place value position: tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on.

How to identify a decimal number

To identify a decimal, look for the decimal point. Digits to the left are whole numbers, and digits to the right show parts of a whole.

Steps:
  • Find the decimal point.
  • Read the whole number to the left.
  • Say the digits to the right by their place value.

Example: 6.3 is read as “six and three tenths.”

Note

Always use place value names when identifying a decimal. Do not read it digit by digit after the decimal point.

Decimals shown in models

Decimals can be illustrated with base-ten blocks, grids, or number lines to show parts of a whole.

Examples:
  • A 10-by-10 grid shaded with 25 squares represents 0.25 (twenty-five hundredths).
  • A number line between 0 and 1 divided into 10 equal parts shows tenths. The third mark is 0.3 (three tenths).
Note

Visual models help you see the size of decimals. Always connect the picture to the number it represents.

Using decimals in real life

Decimals are used in money, measurements, and data. Understanding decimals helps in everyday problem-solving.

Examples:
  • $2.50 means two dollars and fifty cents.
  • A length of 4.75 meters means 4 meters and 75 hundredths of a meter.
Note

When working with money or measurements, always pay attention to the decimal point. It changes the value of the number completely.

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