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DecimalsFree
Introduction to Decimals
Understand decimal numbers and their relationship to fractions.
20 minGrade 6
Introduction
Decimals are another way to represent parts of a whole, closely related to fractions. They use place value to show amounts less than one.
What is a Decimal?
A decimal uses a point to separate whole numbers from parts. Each place after the point represents tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.
Example
0.5 = 5 tenths = 5/10 = 1/2
Place Value
The first place after decimal is tenths (1/10), second is hundredths (1/100), third is thousandths (1/1000).
Example
0.25 = 2 tenths + 5 hundredths = 25/100 = 1/4
Converting Fractions to Decimals
Divide the numerator by the denominator.
Example
3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75
Key Takeaways
- 1Decimals show parts using place value
- 2Each place is 10 times smaller than the one before
- 3Fractions and decimals represent the same values differently
Practice Problems
Test your understanding with these questions
1
What fraction equals 0.7?
2
Convert 1/4 to a decimal.