Lesson 1 -  Decimals

  


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moneycut.gif (2229 bytes)A decimal number is a fraction where the denominator is a power of ten.   Decimals are written using a decimal point. Our most common usage of decimals is in money.  For example:  $0.25 is said to be 25 cents.   It really means that you have 25 hundredths of a dollar. 

 
458.gif (1867 bytes) The first trouble I have with decimals is saying them.   The number to the left is written as .458 and is spoken as follows:

Say the number as you see it; "four hundred fifty-eight"

Then, say the last place value where there is a number (in the thousandths position); "thousandths"
   
Spoken, "four hundred fifty-eight thousandths."

When there is a whole number is involved, the period separating the whole number and decimal is spoken as an "AND" 

For example:    12.05
   

Spoken, "twelve and five hundredths."
   

  

Extension Activities - Decimals

 

Overall practice activities for learning about decimals.

 

  

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