Place value power-up
Decimal place value extends the whole-number place value system to the right of the decimal point: immediately right is the tenths place, then hundredths, then thousandths. In 45.6, the digit 6 is in the tenths place (worth 6/10). In 18.97, the 7 is in the hundredths place (worth 7/100). The decimal point acts as the anchor — to its left are whole numbers, to its right are fractional parts. This skill is taught in Saxon Math Intermediate 4 and is the key to all decimal operations in 4th grade math.
Key Concepts
Property The decimal point is your guide for finding the value of each place. To the left is the ones place, then tens, and hundreds. To the right of the decimal point, you find the tenths place which represents $\frac{1}{10}$, and then the hundredths place which represents $\frac{1}{100}$. Lining up decimals ensures you're working with matching place values.
Example In the number $45.6$, the digit $6$ is in the tenths place. In the number $18.97$, the digit $7$ is in the hundredths place. In the number $32.4$, the digit $2$ is in the ones place.
Explanation Picture the decimal point as your team's center. To the left are the big point players like ones and tens. To the right are the fractional point specialists like tenths and hundredths. Know their positions!
Common Questions
What are the place values to the right of the decimal point?
Immediately to the right of the decimal point is the tenths place (1/10), then the hundredths place (1/100), then the thousandths place (1/1000). Each place is ten times smaller than the one to its left.
What is the value of the digit 7 in 18.97?
In 18.97, the digit 7 is in the hundredths place, so its value is 7/100 or 0.07.
How does decimal place value extend from whole number place value?
The whole-number places go ones, tens, hundreds to the left. Decimal places mirror this going right: tenths (1/10), hundredths (1/100), thousandths (1/1000). Each step right is ten times smaller.
When do students learn decimal place value?
Decimal place value is introduced in 4th grade. Saxon Math Intermediate 4 teaches tenths and hundredths place values, connecting them to money (dollars.cents) and measurement.
How does understanding decimal place value help with money?
Money is always expressed with exactly two decimal places: the tenths digit represents dimes (10-cent pieces) and the hundredths digit represents pennies (1-cent pieces). Place value understanding makes reading prices and making change automatic.
What is a common mistake with decimal place value?
Students sometimes call the first decimal place 'oneths' instead of tenths. Also confusing the tenths and hundredths positions is common — always count from the decimal point, not from the end of the number.