Decimal Place Value

Decimal Place Value

What students learn

Students learn how each digit to the right of the decimal point has a place value, such as tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. Start with Decimal Place Value: Tenths and Hundredths to see the idea on a chart.

Why it matters

Decimal place value is the base for every operation in this course. If students know what each digit means, they can compare prices, measure lengths, and explain their thinking clearly. Decimal Place Value: Read Decimals Digit by Digit shows how to name the digits in order.

Learn the idea

The decimal point separates the whole-number side from the fractional side. Decimal Place Value: Compare Numbers by Place helps students notice that the value of a decimal depends on the place, not just the digits.

Try it

Have the student read 4.2, 3.18, and 0.507 aloud and say what each digit means. Then ask which number is largest and why.

Parent guide

Use a place-value chart, money, or a ruler if the idea feels abstract. Ask the child to point to the ones, tenths, and hundredths before naming the number.