Decimal Place Values

Decimal numbers consist of a whole number part and a fractional part separated by a decimal point. The decimal point is the dot that appears between the whole number and the fractions (SplashLearn, 2023). The value of each digit in a decimal number is based on the number ten (Khan Academy, n.d.). In a place value chart, as we move from right to left, the value of each place increases by 10 times.

Key Facts

  1. Decimal numbers consist of a whole number part and a fractional part separated by a decimal point.
  2. The decimal point is the dot that appears between the whole number and the fractions.
  3. The value of each digit in a decimal number is based on the number ten.
  4. In a place value chart, as we move from right to left, the value of each place increases by 10 times.
  5. The place to the right of the decimal point is called “tenths,” and the place to the right of “tenths” is called “hundredths”.
  6. The place values before the decimal point start with ones, then tens, hundreds, and so on.
  7. The place values after the decimal point start with tenths, then hundredths, thousandths, and so on.
  8. Each digit in a decimal number has a place value that represents its position in the number.
  9. The face value of a digit is the value of the digit itself, while the place value is the value of that digit in its specific place.
  10. A decimal place value chart is useful for finding the place values of decimal digits and for comparing and ordering decimals.

Place Values After the Decimal Point

The place to the right of the decimal point is called “tenths,” and the place to the right of “tenths” is called “hundredths” (BYU-Idaho, n.d.). The place values before the decimal point start with ones, then tens, hundreds, and so on. The place values after the decimal point start with tenths, then hundredths, thousandths, and so on. Each digit in a decimal number has a place value that represents its position in the number.

Face Value vs. Place Value

The face value of a digit is the value of the digit itself, while the place value is the value of that digit in its specific place. A decimal place value chart is useful for finding the place values of decimal digits and for comparing and ordering decimals (SplashLearn, 2023).

Conclusion

Decimal place values are important for understanding the value of each digit in a decimal number. They are also used for comparing and ordering decimals.

References

FAQs

What is a decimal place value?

A decimal place value is the value of a digit in a decimal number based on its position in the number.

How do decimal place values work?

In a decimal number, the place value of each digit is determined by its position to the right or left of the decimal point. The place values to the right of the decimal point decrease by a factor of 10 for each place, while the place values to the left of the decimal point increase by a factor of 10 for each place.

What are the decimal place values to the right of the decimal point?

The decimal place values to the right of the decimal point are tenths, hundredths, thousandths, ten-thousandths, and so on.

What are the decimal place values to the left of the decimal point?

The decimal place values to the left of the decimal point are ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, and so on.

How can I find the place value of a digit in a decimal number?

To find the place value of a digit in a decimal number, count the number of places the digit is to the right or left of the decimal point. If the digit is to the right of the decimal point, its place value is a decimal place value (tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.). If the digit is to the left of the decimal point, its place value is a whole number place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.).

What is the difference between face value and place value?

Face value is the value of a digit by itself, while place value is the value of a digit based on its position in a number. For example, the digit 5 has a face value of 5, but its place value can be 5 ones, 5 tens, 5 hundreds, 5 thousandths, and so on, depending on its position in the number.

How are decimal place values used?

Decimal place values are used to compare and order decimal numbers, perform arithmetic operations on decimal numbers, and convert between decimal numbers and other representations of numbers (such as fractions).