Word names for decimal numbers

key notes:

1. Definition of Decimal Numbers

• A decimal number consists of a whole number part and a fractional part, separated by a decimal point.
  Example: 3.5 (whole number = 3, fractional part = 5).

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2. Decimal Place Value

• Each digit in a decimal number has a specific place value.
  Examples:
  • 0.1 → One-tenth
  • 0.01 → One-hundredth
  • 0.001 → One-thousandth

Tip: Read the digits after the decimal point as individual numbers, followed by their place value.

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3. Writing Word Names for Decimal Numbers

• Write the whole number part in words.
• Use the word “and” to signify the decimal point.
• Write the fractional part as a whole number, followed by the place value of the last digit.

Examples:

1. 4.2 → “Four and two-tenths”
2. 0.35 → “Zero and thirty-five hundredths”
3. 12.456 → “Twelve and four hundred fifty-six thousandths”

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4. Converting Decimals to Words

• Identify the place value of the last digit.
  Example: For 0.078, the last digit (8) is in the thousandths place.
• Write: “Zero and seventy-eight thousandths.”

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5. Common Errors to Avoid

• Do not use “point” while writing word names.
  Incorrect: “Three point five.”
  Correct: “Three and five-tenths.”

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6. Importance of Decimal Word Names

• Used in contexts such as money (e.g., $2.45 = “Two dollars and forty-five cents”) and measurements (e.g., 5.75 meters = “Five and seventy-five hundredths meters”).

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7. Practice Problems

Write the word names for the following decimal numbers:

1. 7.03
2. 0.125
3. 45.67
4. 0.007

Answers:

1. Seven and three hundredths
2. Zero and one hundred twenty-five thousandths
3. Forty-five and sixty-seven hundredths
4. Zero and seven thousandths

Learn with an example

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