What are Decimals?
Understanding decimal numbers and their properties
Interactive What Are Decimals Visualization
Introduction
Decimals are numbers that use a decimal point to separate the whole number part from the fractional part. They allow us to represent values between whole numbers with precision.
Key Concepts:
- Decimal Point: Separates whole numbers from fractional parts
- Place Values: Each digit after the decimal point has a specific place value (tenths, hundredths, etc.)
- Tenths: First digit after decimal point (0.1, 0.2, ...)
- Hundredths: Second digit after decimal point (0.01, 0.02, ...)
- Thousandths: Third digit after decimal point (0.001, 0.002, ...)
- Conversion: Decimals can be converted to fractions and vice versa
How to Use
- Place Value: Explore how each digit after the decimal point represents a different place value
- Visual Representation: See decimals as blocks or on a number line
- Fraction Conversion: Convert fractions to decimals and see the relationship
- Number Line: Locate decimals on a number line to understand their position
- Operations: Practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals
- Adjust the decimal value using the slider to see how it affects the visualization
Place Value Breakdown
Decimal: 3.45
Whole Part: 3
Decimal Part: 0.45
Expanded Form:
3 + 4 × 10^-1 + 5 × 10^-2
= 3 + 0.4 + 0.05
Visual Representation
Common Decimal Examples
Tenths:
0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9
1/10, 2/10, 3/10, ...
Hundredths:
0.01, 0.02, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75
1/100, 2/100, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4
Mixed Decimals:
1.5, 2.75, 3.25, 4.125
1 1/2, 2 3/4, 3 1/4, 4 1/8
Real-World:
$3.99, 2.5 kg, 0.75 L, 1.25 hours
Money, weight, volume, time
Lessons
Individual learning units
Lessons coming soon