Word names for decimal numbers

key notes:

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).

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.

Writing Word Names for Decimal Number

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:

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

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.”

Common Errors to Avoid

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

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”).

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

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