Decimals

Introduction

Decimals are special numbers that come between whole numbers. They help us show parts of a whole in a more precise way.

Understanding Decimals

What are Decimals?

Decimals are like fractions but written in a different way. They have a point (.) to separate the whole number part from the fractional part. For example, $0.5$ is read as "zero point five" which is the same as $\frac{1}{2}$.

Decimal Places

Decimals can be divided into smaller parts called decimal places. Each place has a different value. The first place after the decimal point is the tenths place, the second is the hundredths place, and so on. For example, in $0.73$, the $7$ is in the tenths place and the $3$ is in the hundredths place.

Fun Activity

Let's Play a Game!

• Grab some coins (or draw circles on paper) to represent different decimal numbers like $0.25$, $0.5$, $0.75$, etc.
• Arrange the coins in order from smallest to largest decimal value.
• Challenge a friend to do the same and see who can arrange them correctly first!

Remember

• Decimals help us show parts of a whole in a precise way.
• Decimals have a point (.) to separate the whole number part from the fractional part.
• Each decimal place has a different value (tenths, hundredths, etc.).
• Practice comparing and ordering decimals using fun games and activities.