Decimals

In a Nutshell

Decimals are fractions in disguise. The dot separates the whole-number part from the fractional part.

Our number system is based on powers of 10. Each column is worth ten times the column to its right. Decimals extend this pattern beyond the ones column.

In the number $3.47$ , the 3 is worth 3 ones, the 4 is worth 4 tenths ( $\frac{4}{10}$ ), and the 7 is worth 7 hundredths ( $\frac{7}{100}$ ).

The place value chart below shows whole numbers. Think of decimal places as continuing the pattern to the right: tenths, hundredths, thousandths.

Enter a number (up to 9,999,999):

Type a number into the chart to see each digit in its place. This helps you understand why the position of a digit matters so much.

Watch it work

Question: Put these numbers in order from smallest to largest: $0.35$ , $0.4$ , $0.29$ .

Have a go

Q1. What is the value of the 6 in $2.168$ ?

Q2. Put in order from smallest to largest: $0.7$ , $0.07$ , $0.71$ .

Q3. Write $\frac{3}{8}$ as a decimal.

Q4. Which is greater: $0.6$ or $0.59$ ?