Reading and Writing Decimal Numbers
Learn to read and write decimal numbers by identifying place values like tenths, hundredths, and thousandths using the word 'and' for the decimal point.
Key Concepts
Property To read a decimal, read the number to the right of the decimal point as a whole number, then say the place value of the last digit. For a mixed decimal like $20.04$, read the whole number, say "and," then read the decimal part.
Examples $0.057$ is read as "fifty seven thousandths". $2.54$ is read as "two and fifty four hundredths". $15.2$ is read as "fifteen and two tenths".
Explanation Reading decimals is like telling a two part story. First, state the whole number. The decimal point is your cue to say the magic word "and." Then, read the number to the right of the decimal as a group and finish by naming the place value of the very last digit, like 'tenths,' 'hundredths,' or 'thousandths.'.
Common Questions
How do you read a decimal number out loud?
To read a decimal number, first read the whole number part to the left of the decimal point. Then say 'and' for the decimal point, read the digits to the right as a whole number, and finish by naming the place value of the last digit, such as tenths, hundredths, or thousandths. For example, 2.54 is read as 'two and fifty-four hundredths.'
What does the word 'and' mean when reading decimals?
The word 'and' represents the decimal point and separates the whole number part from the decimal part. It works just like reading a price tag, where 'and' connects the dollars to the cents. For example, 15.2 is read as 'fifteen and two tenths.'
How do you read a decimal number that has no whole number part, like 0.057?
When there is no whole number part, you skip the whole number step and just read the digits to the right of the decimal point as a group. Then name the place value of the last digit. So 0.057 is read as 'fifty-seven thousandths.'
What is a mixed decimal number in 6th grade math?
A mixed decimal is a number that has both a whole number part and a decimal part, such as 20.04. You read the whole number first, say 'and' for the decimal point, then read the decimal portion and state its place value. This concept is covered in Saxon Math Course 1, Chapter 4.