Professional Documents
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MIDTERM
MODULE 4
(EED6)
COURSE/YEAR: BEED II
REMEDIOS C. MAGHANOY
Professor
MODULE 4
DECIMALS
Learning Outcomes:
With the completion of this self – learning Module, you should be able to:
Define decimal, mixed number, whole number, fraction, place value, expanded form, decimal
digits and equivalent decimals.
Identify the whole number and fractional parts of a decimal. Identify the purpose of using
decimals.
Explain how to use decimal points to write numbers less than one.
Describe the relationship between place value and decimal points. write and read numbers with
decimal points.
LESSON 1
VISUALIZATION OF DECIMALS
Objective:
Visualize decimal numbers using models like blocks, grids, number lines, and money to show
relationship to fractions.
Introduction
In Mathematics, the numbers can be classified into different types, namely real numbers, natural numbers,
whole numbers, rational numbers, and so on. Decimal numbers are among them. It is the standard form of
representing integer and non-integer numbers. In this article, let us discuss in detail about “ Decimals”, its
types, properties, and place value representation of decimal numbers with many solved examples.
A decimal is a number that consists of a whole and a fractional part. Decimal numbers lie between
integers and represent numerical value for quantities that are whole plus some part of a whole.
For example, in the given image, we have one whole pizza and a half of another pizza. This can be
represented in two ways:
Fractional form: In fraction form, we can write that there is one and one-half of a pizza. That is 112 pizza.
Decimal Form: In decimal form, we will write this as 1.5 pizzas. Here, the dot represents the decimal
point and the number before the dot, i.e., “1” represents one whole pizza and the number behind the
decimal point represents the half pizza or the fractional part.
You might have seen decimal numbers like these when you go grocery shopping or on a weighing
machine or even a game of baseball!
What is a Decimal?
We get decimals when we break a whole into smaller parts. A decimal number then has two components:
a whole number part and a fractional part. The decimal place value system for the whole part of a decimal
number is the same as the whole number value system. However, we get the fractional part of the decimal
number as we move toward the right after the decimal point. The given image shows the decimal place
value chart:
Note that as we go from left to right in the decimal place value system, each values is 110 times smaller
than the value to its left.
The first place after the decimal point is called the “tenths”, which represents a place value of 110 of the
whole or one-tenth of the whole. In decimal form, this fraction is written as “0.1”.
The second place is called the “hundredths”, which represents a place value of 1100 of the whole or one-
hundredth of the whole. In numerical form, this decimal fraction is written as “0.01”.
And the third place is called the “thousandths”, which represents a place value of 11000 of the whole or
one-thousandth of the whole. In numerical form, this decimal fraction is written as “0.001”.Here’s an
example of a decimal number 17.48, in which 17 is the whole number, while 48 is the decimal part .
For example, the number 17.48 would be read as “Seventeen point four eight”.
However, a more formal way to read decimals is to read the whole part as a whole number, then the
decimal dot as “and” and then reading the fractional part altogether but using the place value of the last
digit with it.
Here, the whole part is 25 and the place value of the last digit, 8, is thousandths. So we will read this
number as “Twenty-five and six hundred seventy-eight thousandths”.
Types of Decimals
Based on the number of digits after the decimal point, the decimal numbers can be divided into two
categories:
Like decimals: Two decimal numbers are said to be “like” decimals if they have the same number of
digits after the decimal point. For example, 6.34 and 2.67 both have two digits after the decimal point so
they are Like decimals.
Unlike decimals: Two decimal numbers are said to be “unlike” decimals if they have different number of
digits after the decimal point. For example, 5.3 and 6.873 both have different number of digits after the
decimal point so they are unlike decimals.
Let’s do this!!!
ACTIVITIES
A) ________
B) ________
Count the total squares. There are 100 squares.
Count the colored squares. There are 43 colored squares. 43 out of 100 are
colored.
This picture shows the fraction = Number of colored squares / Total squares
= 43/100
a) ________
b) ________
LET’S PRACTICE!
1.
A) ______
B) ______
1.
A) _____
B) _____
ABSTRACTION
Decimals
Decimals are used to express the whole number and fraction together. Here, we will separate the whole
number from the fraction by inserting a ".", which is called a decimal point. For example, let's say you are
going to take a cone of ice cream. The vendor tells you that the price of ice cream is 2 and 50 cents. Now,
if you want to express
this amount in
one figure, you
will say that the price of the ice cream cone is 2.50. There are many
such real-life situations in which you might be using
decimals without even realizing it.
Decimal
Tens Ones Tenths Hundredths Thousandths
Point
7 3 . 7 8 9
8 . 3 5 0
4 5 . 0 8
Reading Decimal Numbers: There are two ways to read a decimal number. The first way is to simply
read the whole number followed by "point", then to read the digits in the fractional part separately. It is a
more casual way to read decimals. For example, we read 85.64 as eighty-five point six-four. The second
way is to read the whole number part followed by "and", then to read the fractional part in the same way
as we read whole numbers but followed by the place value of the last digit. For example, we can also read
85.64 as eighty-five and sixty-four hundredths.
Decimals in Expanded Form
Decimals can also be written in expanded form just like whole numbers. As you know that to write any
number in expanded form, we have to write the face value multiplied by the place value of all the digits in
the number combined together with an addition sign in between. For writing decimals in expanded form,
we will be doing the same. For example, let us write the expanded form of 23.758. The first step is to
write the digits of the given number in the place value chart of decimals, as shown below.
2 3 . 7 5 8
As we can observe, the place values are clearly marked along with the face values of each of the digits of
the number 23.758. So, the expanded form of 23.758 can be expressed in the following way:
OR
Rounding a decimal number to the nearest tenths is done by taking the digit at the hundredth place into
consideration. The digit in this hundredth place can have two variations. First, if that number is 4 or less,
just remove all the digits to the right of the tenth place digit and the remaining portion is our desired
result. But if the digit at the hundredths place is 5 or greater, we need to increase the tenths place digit by
1, and then remove all the digits on the right of the tenths place digit.
For example, let us try rounding 765.27446 to the tenth place. As we can see, the hundredth place digit in
765.27446 is 7. Now, since 7>5, therefore, to round this number to the nearest tenths place, we add 1 to
the tenths place digit and ignore the rest. Hence, when we round off 765.27446 to the nearest tenth place,
the result will be 765.3.
Comparing Decimals
In order to compare the decimals, keep the following two things in mind. First, compare the whole
number part of the given decimals. The decimal number with the greater whole number will be greater
than the other number, and vice-versa. Second, if the digits before the decimal point are equal to each
other then we compare the first digit after the decimal point which is the tenth place digit, and examine
which is greater or smaller. We repeat this process and keep on comparing digits to the right until we get
the unequal digits.
For example, let's compare 23.789 with 23.759. Here we see digits before the decimal point are equal
which is 23 = 23. Now moving on to the tenth place digits to compare. i.e., 23.789 with 23.759, we get 7
= 7. Both of them are again equal. Now we move to the next term to the right of the tenth place digit
which is the hundredth digit. i.e., 23.789 with 23.759. Now, since 8>5, then we can say that 23.789 >
23.759. ∴ 23.789 > 23.759. This is how we compare decimal numbers.
Types of Decimals
Decimals can be divided into different categories depending upon what type of digits occur after the
decimal point. It will depend upon whether the digits are repeating, non-repeating, or terminating. Let us
have a look at how the decimals are categorized based on their type here.
Terminating decimals: Terminating decimals mean it does not reoccur and end after a finite
number of decimal places. For example: 543.534234, 27.2, etc.
Non-terminating decimals: It means that the decimal numbers have infinite digits after the
decimal point. For example, 54543.23774632439473747..., 827.79734394723... etc. The non-
terminating decimal numbers can be further divided into 2 parts:
o Recurring decimal numbers: In recurring decimal numbers, digits repeat after a
fixed interval. For example, 94346.374374374..., 573.636363... etc.
o Non-recurring decimal numbers: In non-recurring decimal numbers, digits never
repeat after a fixed interval. For example 743.872367346.., 7043927.78687564...
and so on.
Visualize Decimals
There are many methods used to visualize decimals. Because decimal numbers represent the calculated
values for fractions, many real-life examples can be used to visualize decimals.
For example, these circles are divided into ten parts, much like the slices of a pizza or an apple pie. Each
slice represents 110110, or one-tenth, of the whole circle, or pizza. The left circle shows a whole pizza
that has yet to be eaten, while the pizza on the right has three missing pieces. To express these pizzas
using decimal numbers:
The whole circle represents a whole pizza, or the number 11.
Adding these two numbers together, the decimal number represented by the pizzas is 1.71.7.
Two pizzas used to visualize the decimal 1.7
In this example, there are three orange slices: two whole slices and a slice with only 44 segments
remaining. Each segment represents 110110, or one-tenth, of the whole orange slice. To express these
orange slices using decimal numbers:
The number of whole circles is counted. There are two whole circles, so the number is 22.
The last circle has 44 out the 1010 segments shaded, so this number is 410410, or 0.40.4.
Adding these two numbers together, the decimal number represented by the orange slices
is 2.42.4.
The columns of the grid should be filled in using the larger of the two numbers.
Using the shaded region from the first step, the number of rows represented by the second value is
then filled in with a second color.
Finally, this value is placed to the right of the decimal point to solve the problem.
In this example, 0.5 x 0.30.5 x 0.3 will be solved using a grid. The steps to solve this problem are:
APPLICATION
One good way to visualize decimals is by using base 1010 blocks. For instance, suppose a large square
represents one whole. If the square is cut into 1010 strips of equal size, then each of these represents one
tenth or 0.10.1 . Each strip can be cut into ten smaller squares to represent hundredths.
Example 1:
What number does the following set of blocks represent?
There is 11 large square, so the ones digit is 11 . There are 33 one-tenths strips, so the tenths digit is 33 .
There are 66 one-hundredth squares, so the hundredths digit is 66 .
So, the figure represents the decimal 1.361.36 .
Example 2:
What number does the following diagram represent?
The large square is divided into 100100 squares. Seven complete rows have been shaded (that is, seven
tenths) along with nine squares of another row (nine hundredths). So, the decimal number is 0.790.79 .
Example 3:
If the large square represents one whole, what decimal number does the diagram represent?
The large square is divided into 100100 squares. No complete rows have been shaded (that is, zero tenths)
but four small squares of one row have been shaded (four hundredths). So, the decimal number
is 0.040.04 .
Let’s do this!!!
Color the grids to show the following decimal numbers
1. 0.6 2. 0.4
3. 0.9 4. 0.3
5. 0.2 6. 0.5
ANALYSIS
LESSON 2
Introduction
Decimals can be written in fraction form. To convert a decimal to a fraction, place the decimal number
over its place value. For example, in 0.6, the six is in the tenths place, so we place 6 over 10 to create the
equivalent fraction, 6/10. If needed, simplify the fraction.
To change a decimal into a fraction, we have to follow the following steps:
Step 1: Write the given number without decimal point as the numerator of the fraction.
Step 2: Write 1 in the denominator followed by as many zeros as the number of decimal places in the
given number.
Step 3: Reduce the fraction into the lowest form and if required change into mixed numeral.
ACTIVITIES
Fraction to Decimal
Any number which is represented in a fraction form is divided into two parts i.e., numerator and
denominator. Generally, to convert a number from fraction to decimal form we divide the numerator by
the denominator. Fractions are represented in the form of p/q, where q≠0. While the decimal numbers are
formed by connecting the whole number part and fractional part through a decimal point, for example,
7.575. Let us explore some more illustrations to understand the fraction to decimal conversion in detail.
Here is a real-life example to understand fraction to decimal conversion. Emma divides her cardboard
into 12 equal parts. She painted the flowers of different colors on each part of the cardboard. Amongst the
12 slots, she reserved 5 equal portions for red color flowers, 3 portions for green color flowers, and 4 for
orange color flowers. Let us write the portion given to flowers of each color in a fraction as well as in
decimal form.
Red color flowers are painted in the 5/12 or 0.4166 part of the cardboard.
Green color flowers are painted in the 3/12 or 0.25 part of the cardboard.
Orange color flowers are also painted in the 4/12 or 0.333 part of the cardboard.
Let us look at the fraction and decimal representation given in the chart below to have more clarity about
the fraction to decimal conversion.
Let us now
understand how to convert fraction to decimal using different methods.
There are two methods to convert fraction to decimal which are given below:
Step 1: In the given fraction 4/19, consider the numerator 4 as a dividend and the denominator
19 as the divisor. In this case, the denominator > numerator.
Step 2: We have to make the dividend digit (4) greater than the numerator digit (19) by
placing 0 next to 4 and to the quotient respectively. Now we have 40 as a new dividend.
(40>19)
Step 3: In the quotient part, it is important to insert decimal (.) after 0 and start the division.
Step 4: Multiply 19 with a number so that the product is less than or equal to 40. We know
that 19 times 2 is 38. The digit that appeared in the quotient is 2, and the remainder left is 2.
After introducing decimal in the quotient we can introduce one 0 at each step of division.
Step 5: Now the new dividend is 20. Multiply 19 with a number so that the product is less
than or equal to 20. 19 times 1 is 19. Now the new digit in the quotient is 1 which makes it
0.21, and the remainder is 1.
Step 6: Repeat the steps till we get 0 as the remainder or at least three decimal places in the
quotient.
Try to read out the steps with the image given below for having a better understanding of converting
fractions to decimals.
In the next section, let us discuss another method of the fraction to decimal conversion that is by
converting the denominator into a power of 10.
Another method to convert the fraction to a decimal is by converting the denominator of the fraction to
powers of 10 like 10, 100, 1000, etc. Following are the steps showing the procedure of the conversion of
fractions to decimals by converting the denominator method.
Step 1: Firstly we have to think of a number by which we can multiply the denominator and
numerator so that we can get a power of 10 in the denominator.
Step 2: Here, the denominator is 8. (8 times 125 is 1000)
Step 3: Now multiply the numerator and denominator with the same number, i.e., 125.
Step 4: By multiplying the numerator of the fraction by 125, we get 7 × 125 = 875.
Step 5: After completing the multiplication process we have a denominator in terms of the
power of 10, i.e. 875/1000.
Step 6: Insert a decimal point before the number of places equal to zeros in the denominator.
Here, we have 3 zeros in the denominator, so we add the decimal point before three places
counting from the right side. Thus, we get, 875/1000 = 0.875.
Note that this method is applicable only for the fractions whose denominator can be multiplied with a
number to get a power of 10. For denominators that cannot be written as a power of 10, for example, 2/3,
it is always better to use the long division method explained above.
Fraction to decimal chart is a direct approach to get the converted values easily. The chart gives us the
values of some most commonly used fractions in terms of decimals and vice-versa. Fractions can be less
than or greater than 1. Fractions that are less than 1 have a numerator < denominator. They are
called proper fractions. The decimal values of proper fractions are always less than 1. Fractions that have
a numerator ≥ denominator are called improper fractions. They have decimal values of 1 or more. Let us
have more clarity about how the numbers will look like when we convert fractions to decimal form using
the fraction to decimal chart given below:
Fraction Decimal
1/2 0.5
1/4 0.25
1/5 0.2
1/6 0.16
1/8 0.125
1/10 0.1
3/2 1.5
5/2 2.5
3/4 0.75
5/3 1.66
Check our fraction to decimal calculator and try a few conversions at your end. It is a free online tool that
calculates the decimal form of a given fraction. This free online fraction to decimal calculator helps you
to calculate the decimal value of fractions within a few seconds.
The relationship between fractions and decimals is very important to understand to develop a strong base
in arithmetic. When a number is represented in form of p/q, where p and q belong to whole numbers and
q is not equal to 0, it is termed as a fraction and can be converted into a decimal form by either converting
the denominator to a power of 10 or by long division method.
Both fractions and decimals are just two ways to represent numbers. Fractions are written in the form
of p/q, where q≠0, while in decimals, the whole number part and fractional part are connected through
a decimal point, for example, 0.5. Fractions and decimals represent the relationship of part by whole. In
both fractions and decimals, we represent the whole by 1. Let us look at some examples to understand the
relationship between fractions and decimals. Consider a full-thin crust pizza with 6 slices. Your mother
gave half of it, i.e., 3 slices then in fractional form, we write it as 1/2, and in the decimal form, we write it
as 0.5.
Let us consider another example. Emma divides her garden into 12 equal parts. She grows flowers of
different colors in each part of the garden. Amongst the 12 slots, she reserved 8 equal portions for red
flowers, 2 portions for yellow color flowers, and 2 for blue color flowers. Let us write the portion given to
flowers of each color in fraction and in decimal.
Another method to convert the fraction to a decimal is by converting the denominator of the fraction to
powers of 10 like 10, 100, 1000, etc. Let us understand this with the steps given below. We will take an
example to proceed with the given steps.
Step1: Think of a number by which we can easily multiply the denominator and numerator to get the
power of 10.
Step2: Here denominator is 4. 4 times 25 is 100.
Step 3: Multiply the numerator also with the same number
Step 4: By multiplying the numerator of the fraction by 25 we get (3 × 25) = 75
Step 5: Now we have a denominator in terms of powers of 10.
Step 6: 75/100 = 0.75.
The decimal place of the final answer depends upon the number of trailing zeros present in the digit of
the denominator.
Every decimal number can be expressed in the form of a fraction. Steps to convert a decimal number to
the fractional form are stated below:
A fractional inch value like 36.125 inches includes 3 feet and an additional 0.125 inches. There are three
digits after the decimal. Hence, multiply and divide 0.125 by 1000. For 0.125, the best option is 1/8 of an
inch. Therefore, the height will be 318318" in.
Points to Remember:
ANALYSIS
1.Lynn lives 6 3/4 miles from the YMCA. Write the distance as a decimal.
2. One Canadian dollar is valued at 0.96 of a US dollar. One Canadian dollar is valued at what
fraction of a US dollar?
3. Derick studied 13 1/2 hours this week for a spelling bee. Write the number of hours as a decimal.
APPLICATION
LESSON 3
A decimal number is made up of a whole number and a fractional part that is separated by a dot
called the decimal point. For example, 4.37 is a decimal number in which 4 is the whole number part
and .37 is the fractional part. It should be noted that in a decimal place value chart, the place values of all
the digits are shown including the digits before the decimal point and the digits after the decimal point.
The digits before the decimal point represent the usual place values like ones, tens, hundreds, thousands,
and so on. Whereas the digits after the decimal point represent place values starting from tenths, followed
by hundredths, then thousandths, and so on. Let us read the following section to understand more about
the decimal place value chart.
The first digit after the decimal represents the tenths place. The next digit after the decimal
represents the hundredths place. The remaining digits continue to fill in the place values until there are no
digits left.
Ten
s Ones . Tenths Hundredths Thousandths
8 7 . 6 5 4
The first digit after the decimal represents the tenths place. The next digit after the decimal represents the
hundredths place. The remaining digits continue to fill in the place values until there are no digits left.
Example: 0.81
or
0 . 8 1
Let’s practice!!
ACTIVITY
a. 89,653
b. 2.095
c. 0.729
____________________
a.Thousands
b.Hundreds
c.Hundredths
d. Thousandths
a.8.35
b.732.09
c.6300
ABSTRACTION
What is Place Value?
In math, every digit in a number has a place value. Place value can be defined as the value represented by
a digit in a number on the basis of its position in the number.
For example, the place value of 7 in 3,743 is 7 hundreds or 700. However, the place value of 7 in 7,432 is
7 thousands or 7,000. Here, we can see that even though the digits are same in both the numbers, it’s
place value changes with the change in it’s position.
Place Value Chart is a very useful table format that helps us in finding the place value of each digit based
on it’s position in a number.
The place value of a digit increases by ten times as we move left on the place value chart and decreases
by ten times as we move right.
Here’s an example of how drawing the place value chart can help in finding the place value of a number.
In the number 13,548
Understanding the place value of digits in numbers helps comparing numbers. It also helps in writing
numbers in their expanded form. For instance, the expanded form of the number above, 13,548 is 10,000
+ 3,000 + 500 + 40 + 8.
The place value of digits in numbers can also be represented using base-ten blocks and can help us write
numbers in their expanded form.
Before, using the base ten blocks to find the place value of each digit in a number, let us first understand
what these blocks represent.
Here’s how the number 13,548 can be represented using base-ten blocks.
Decimal Place Value
Decimal numbers are fractions or mixed numbers with denominators of powers of ten. In a decimal
number, the digits to the left of the decimal point represent a whole number. The digits to the right of the
decimal represent the parts. As we move towards right after the decimal point, the place value of the
digits becomes 10 times smaller.
The first digit on the right of the decimal point means tenths i.e. 110. The next place becomes ten times
smaller and is called the hundredths i.e. 1100 and so on.
In 27.356, 27 is the whole number part, 2 is in tens place and its place value is 20,7 is in ones place, and
its place value is 7.
Place value and face value are not the same. The face value of a digit is the value of the digit whereas the
place value of a digit is it’s place in the number. In simple words, the face value tells the actual value of
the digit whereas the place value tells the value of the digit, based on it’s position.
Hence, the face value of the digit never changes irrespective of it’s position in the number. Whereas, the
place value of the digit changes with the change in the position.
For instance, the face value of 2 in both the numbers 283 and 823 is 2. Whereas, the place value of 2 is
200 in 283 and 20 in 823.
Identifying the Decimal Place of Digits: Use the place value chart to fill in the number
(Remember: Only place 1 number in each column.) Identify the column the digit is in.
Examples:
What place is the 6 in the number 23.643? Tenths
What place is the 5 in the number 0.985? Thousandths
Reading Decimals: • The decimal represents the word AND ,When reading decimals, read the
number and the column of the last digit
• HINT: Cover up the decimal and read the number in front. Then read and the number behind the
decimal and the place of the last digit.
Example:
0.043 read as forty-three thousandths
0.65 read as sixty-five hundredths
6.7 read as six and seven tenths
Reading Decimals
Example:
22.789 -Twenty-two and seven hundred eighty-nine thousandths
17.54 -Seventeen and fifty-four hundredths
1,456.009 -One thousand four hundred fifty-six and nine thousandths
245.87 -Two hundred forty-five and eighty-seven hundredths
17.9 -Seventeen and nine tenths
Writing Decimals
When writing decimals in standard form, the last number must be in the place value stated. It may be
necessary to add zeros in all other columns in order to hold the place of the digit.
HINT:
Cover up “and” and all words behind it. Write the number in front. Then identify the place that the last
digit should be in and write the last number. Fill in all other numbers and add zeros if needed.
Writing Decimals
Examples:
Fourteen and three tenths =14.3
Four and seven hundredths =4.07
Ninety-three thousandths =0.093
Writing Decimals
Examples:
Two thousand six and four thousandths= 2,006.004
Five hundred eight one and six ten-thousandths =581.0006
Twelve thousand four and twenty-one hundredths= 12,004.21
Equivalent Decimals Equivalent means equal Steps to writing equivalent decimals: Write the number
exactly. Add one or more zeros to the END of the number (Adding zeros to the end of a decimal
number does not change the value of the number)
Equivalent Decimals
Examples:
• 0.765
• 12.43
ANALYSIS
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. Does the place value of a digit increase as it moves from left to right?
_______________________________________________________________________________
5. What is place value and value?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
APPLICATION
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Write the numbers in figures and in expanded form:
1. Ten thousand two hundred and thirty-six
2. Seven thousand four hundred and eighty-five
Solution:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
LESSON 4
ROUNDING DECIMALS
Introduction
1. Identify the digit at the given place value. This will usually be to the right of the decimal point.
3. Round the new number (the one composed of the digits from Step One and Step Two) to the
nearest ten.
Rounding decimals to the nearest whole number or the tenths, hundredths, thousandths is easy!
In this post, we are going to learn to round decimal numbers. Rounding decimals helps us to
manage the numbers more easily in order to operate them.
When rounding a number, you first need to ask: what are you rounding it to? Numbers can be rounded
to the nearest ten, the nearest hundred, the nearest thousand, and so on.
Rounding fractions works exactly the same way as rounding whole numbers. The only difference is that
instead of rounding to tens, hundreds, thousands, and so on, you round to tenths, hundredths, thousandths,
and so on.
Rounding can make sums easy. For example, at a grocery store you might pick up items with the
following prices:
$2.25
$0.88
$2.69
If you wanted to know about how much they would cost, you could add up the prices with a pen and
paper, or try to add them in your head. Or you could do it the simple way—you could estimate by
rounding off to the nearest dollar, like this:
$2.00
$1.00
$3.00
By rounding off, you could easily figure out that you would need about $6.00 to pay for your groceries.
This is pretty close to the exact number of $5.82.
As you can see, in finding a round sum, it is quickest to round the numbers before adding them.
ACTIVITY
ABSTRACTION
Rounding Decimals
Rounding is a process to estimate a particular number in a context. To round a number look at the next
digit in the right place, if the digit is less than 5, round down and if the digit is 5 or more than 5, round up.
Rounding decimals refer to the rounding of decimal numbers to a certain degree of accuracy. We can
round decimals to the nearest wholes, tenths or hundredths.
Rounding decimals is useful to estimate an answer easily and quickly. It is also useful to find out the
estimate of the average score of the students in a class.
We follow the given steps to round numbers to the nearest whole number:
Step 2- As we are rounding our number to the nearest whole, we mark the digit in the one’s place.
Step 3- Now we look at the ‘tenths’ place (the digit to the right of the decimal point).
Step 4- If the digit in the tenths column is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, we will round down the number at the ones
place to the nearest whole number.
(ii) If the digit in the tenths column is 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, we will round up the number at the one’s
place to the nearest whole number.
Step 5- Remove all the digits after the decimal point. The left out number is the desired answer.
Step
Observation Working Out
Number
Step 1 945.65
Step 3- Now we look at the ‘hundredths’ place (the digit to the right of the tenths column).
Step 4- (i) If the digit in the hundredths place is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, we will round down the number at the
tenths place to the nearest tenths.
(ii) If the digit in the hundredths place is 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, we will round up the number at the tenths
place to the nearest tenths.
Step 5- Remove all the digits to the right of the tenths column. The left out number is the answer.
Step
Observation Working Out
Number
Step 1 542.33
Step 1 27.51
Example 3: Ryan weighs 27.51 kg. What is his weight to the nearest kg?
We can follow the given steps to round numbers to the nearest hundredths:
Step 2- As we are rounding our number to the nearest hundredths, we mark the digit in the hundredths
place.
Step 3- Now we look at the ‘thousandths’ place (the digit to the right of the hundredths column).
Step 4- (i) If the digit in the thousandths place is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, we will round down the hundredths place
to the nearest hundredths.
(ii) If the digit in the thousandths column is 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, we will round up the hundredths place
to the nearest hundredths.
Step 5- Remove all the digits to the right of the hundredths place. The left-out number is the answer.
Example 4: The depth of Lake Tanganyika is 1,470.158 m. What is the depth of the lake to the nearest
hundredths?
Step
Observation Working Out
Number
Step 1 1470.158
Fun Fact
– When we do rounding we get an approximate value. A special type of symbol is used to show the
approximate value.
For example 6.9 = 7
ANALYSIS
1.Give me an example of Three decimal places and round off in Hundredths place.
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APPLICATION
40
47
48
50
2. Which of the following shows the result when 65.468 is rounded off to the nearest whole number?
60
65
68
70
3. Which of the following shows the result when 0.698 is rounded off to the nearest tenths?
0.6
0.60
0.7
0.70
4. Which of the following shows the result when 3.8702 is rounded off to the nearest tenths?
3.86
3.8
3.87
3.9
5. Which of the following shows the result when 4.6805 is rounded off to the nearest hundredths?
4.67
4.68
4.680
4.681
II.Rounding Decimals
1. Albert jumped 100 times in 97.5 seconds. Round off the time taken to the nearest second.
____________________
2. The Federal government of the United States mandates a nation-wide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Round off the amount to the nearest dollar.
____________________
3. Sandra spent 400.76 at an electronics store in Paoli. Round off the amount spent to the nearest tenth.
______________________
4. Adam travelled 60.7 miles to reach his vacation home in Poconos. Round off the given distance to the nearest
mile.
________________________
5. Michael Phelps clocked a world record timing of 49.82 seconds in the 100 m butterfly event in 2009. Round off
the timing to the nearest second.
________________________
LESSON 5
COMPARING DECIMALS
Introduction
Comparing decimals means finding out the larger and the smaller decimal number in a given set of
numbers. Decimal numbers can be compared in the same way as we compare other numbers. However,
we need to remember that the digits that are placed after the decimal point also need to be considered.
These digits have place values starting from tenths, followed by hundredths, then thousandths, and so on.
Let us learn more about comparing decimals in this article.
Comparing decimals is similar to comparing other whole numbers in which we start comparing the digits
with the greatest place value. We place the given decimal numbers in a place value chart and start the
comparison. If the digits on the greatest place value are the same, we move on to the digits in the next
place to the right. We keep comparing digits until we reach the digits that are different. Let us understand
this with the help of the following example.
Solution:
0 6 4
0 3 6 2
Step 1: Compare the whole number part, which is the ones digit. If the numbers are the same, go to
the next step. In this case, the ones digits has 0 in both the numbers. So, we move on to the next place
to the right.
Step 2: Compare the tenths place, which is the place to the right of the decimal point. When we
compare the value in the tenths place, we see that 6 is greater than 3. At this step itself, we get to
know that 0.64 is greater than 0.362. Therefore, we do not need to move on to the hundredths digit for
further comparison.
Step 3: Hence, we conclude that 0.64 > 0.362
Let’s try this!
ACTIVITY
ABSTRACTION
Comparing Decimals
Example 1: Polygon Pizza Place caters children's parties with square-shaped pizza.
Each pizza is exactly the same size and is divided into equal parts called slices. At Sam's party, each child
had 2 out of 10 slices from a single pizza. At Elena's party, each child had 15 out of 100 slices from a
single pizza. At which party did each child have more pizza?
Party Fraction
Sam's
Elena's
Sam's 0.2X
Elena's 0.15
In Example 1, we compared two decimal numbers and found that 0.2 is greater than 0.15. Some students
would argue that 0.15 is a longer decimal with more digits, and is therefore greater than 0.2. However, if
we think about money, we know that 20 cents is greater than 15 cents. Thus, our answer in Example 1 is
correct.
Decimal numbers are compared in the same way as other numbers: by comparing the different place
values from left to right. We use the symbols <, > and = to compare decimals as shown below.
Comparison Meaning
0.2 > 0.15 0.2 is greater than 0.15
0.15 < 0.2 0.15 is less than 0.2
0.2 = 0.2 0.2 is equal to 0.2
0.15 = 0.15 0.15 is equal to 0.15
When comparing two decimals, it is helpful to write one below the other. This is shown in the next
example.
0 . 5 7 0
0 . 5 4 9
Answer: 0.57 is greater than 0.549.
As you can see in the example above, 0.57 has fewer decimal digits than 0.549. It is easier to compare
two decimals when you have the same number of decimal digits, so an extra zero was written to the right
of the digit 7 in the decimal 0.57. We are able to do this because 0.57 and 0.570 are equivalent decimals.
It is easier to compare decimals when you have the same number of decimal digits. Thus, we often write
extra zeros to the right of the last digit of one of the decimals being compared. These extra zeros are place
holders and do not change the value of the decimal. However, if you inserted a zero between the decimal
point and a decimal digit, that would change the value of the decimal. This is shown in the table below:
0.57=0.570=0.5700 - Writing extra zeros to the right of the last digit of a decimal does not change its
value.
0.57≠0.507≠0.057 = Inserting a zero between the decimal point and a decimal digit does change the value
of a decimal.
Example 3: Compare each pair of decimals using the symbols <, > or =.
4.1 4.01
4 . 1 0
4 . 0 1
3.05 3.5
3 . 0 5
3 . 5 0
3.05 < 3.5
1.3 1.30
1 . 3 0
1 . 3 0
1.3 = 1.30
0.17 0.9
0 . 1 7
0 . 9 0
0.17 < 0.9
0.1 0.0
7 9
0 . 1 7
0 . 0 9
0.1 0.0
>
7 9
Example 4: Compare each pair of decimals using the symbols <, > or =.
0.3 0.20
1 1
0 . 3 1 0
0 . 2 0 1
0.3 0.20
>
1 1
3.48 3.
7 9
3 . 4 8 7
3 . 9 0 0
3.48 3.
<
7 9
5.04 5.40
2 2
5 . 0 4 2
5 . 4 0 2
5.04 5.40
<
2 2
27.1 2.71
8 8
2 7 . 1 8 0
2 . 7 1 8
27.1 2.71
>
8 8
0.3 0.38
8 0
0 . 3 8 0
0 . 3 8 0
0.3 0.38
=
8 0
In Examples 3 and 4, there were some problems in which the two decimals being compared did not have
the same number of decimal digits. In these problems, we wrote one or more extra zeros to the right of the
last digit of one decimal so that both decimals would have the same number of decimal digits. In the
examples above, we used place-value charts to help us compare decimals. Let's try some examples
without place-value charts.
Example 5: Compare each pair of decimals using the symbols <, > or =.
0.1379 0.01379
2.4896 2.4986
7.914 791.4
$2.39 2.39
0.81734 0.08174
Problem Answer
0.13790 0.1379 > 0.01379
0.01379
1.46197 1.046197
15.317965 15.317965
4.7293 4.7923
0.78154 0.78514
$0.96 $0.91
Problem Answer
Summary: To compare two decimals, start at the left and compare digits in the same place-value position.
It is helpful to write one decimal below the other. It is also easier to compare decimals when you have the
same number of decimal digits. Thus, when comparing two decimals, we can write one or more extra
zeros to the right of the last digit of one decimal so that both decimals have the same number of decimal
digits.
ANALYSIS
1) 0.50 ⎕ 0.050
2) 0.025 ⎕ 0.25
3) 2.060 ⎕ 2.07
4) 1.75 ⎕ 1.07
5) 4.04 ⎕ 0.440
6) 3.05 ⎕ 3.5
7) 5.05 ⎕ 5.050
8) 1.02 ⎕ 1.1
9) 2.45 ⎕ 2.125
LESSON 6
Introduction
Addition and subtraction of decimals
are a bit complex as compared to performing the operations on natural numbers. Before we learn how to
add or subtract any two or more than two given decimals, first, let us understand decimals. The decimal
number is used to represent a number with greater precision than integers or whole numbers. It uses a dot
in between numbers, which is said to be a decimal point. Decimals are nothing but the simplified version
of fractions. Check problems based on decimal fractions here.
For example, when we have to divide three pies among 4 kids, we cannot represent the pies received by
each kid in terms of integers alone, as each kid has received pies that lie between 0 and 1. To deal with
other similar problems, the concept of decimal was introduced. Thus, the idea of addition, multiplication,
division and subtraction of decimals is an important topic. Let us say two friends are contributing to buy a
cricket ball that costs Rs. 20. One of them has Rs. 7.50, and the other has Rs. 18.50. To know how much
money each will have to contribute and how much they will be left with, they must understand the
concept of addition and subtraction of decimals.
ACTIVITIES
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Addition of Decimals
As we know numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided. However, all these type of
operations can be easily performed on natural numbers. In case of decimals, addition can be done in a
specific way. The addition of decimals involves several steps.
Step 3: Finally, add the decimal numbers similar to integers and place the decimal point accordingly.
Let us understand the concept more clearly with the help of the following examples:
Subtraction of decimals
Subtraction of decimals involves the subtraction of the decimal number with a small whole number part
from the decimal number with a greater whole number part. However, we need to follow certain rules
while performing the subtraction on decimals.
ANALYSIS
Read and answer some following problem.
1.Brenda and Jenna saved up $81.75 and $45.25 respectively to buy a gift for Mother’s Day. How
much money in all have the sisters set aside for the gift?
____________________________________
2.Miley buys an assorted box of chocolates that contains 18.61 ounces of dark chocolate and 37.23
ounces of milk chocolate. How much do the chocolates weigh in total?
_____________________________________
3.Reynard and his friends visited an orchard on Sunday. They picked 12.34 pounds of apples and
9.56 pounds of blueberries. How much did the fruits weigh in all?
_____________________________________
4.Susan placed an order for a drum set priced at $79.99 and an electronic organ for $54.49. How
much does Susan have to pay in total once she receives the items?
_____________________________________
5.Lily Hayes ran a distance of 3.57 miles on Saturday as a part of her morning workout. On Sunday,
sheran 4.98 miles. How many miles in all did Lily run over the weekend?
_____________________________________
APPLICATION
I.
II.Problem solving
1.The state of Michigan recorded an all-time high snowfall of 355.9 inches during the winter of
1978-79. Its lowest snowfall of 81.3 inches was recorded during the winter of 1930-31. How
much more snowfall did Michigan receive during the winter of 1978-79 than in 1930-31?
2.Eric, a Fitness enthusiast, visits a store and buys a Fitness Tracker for $84.99 and a Heart Rate
Bracelet Monitor for $44.99. How much does Eric spend in all on his purchase?
_____________________________________
3.A one-year subscription of a science magazine costs $37.00. If you were to buy 12 issues of the same magazine
from a newsstand for a year, you would end up spending $72.88.
Introduction
Multiplication of Decimal Numbers: Did you have an idea that the history of decimals traces back to
the ancient days in countries like India and China? Decimals were even adopted by the Egyptians to
the counting system. By around 1500,1500, they became an integral part of the counting system
worldwide when almost all professional mathematicians accepted decimals.
All the basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division can be performed on
decimal numbers. In this topic, we shall discuss how to do multiplication on decimal numbers.
Example:
Let us multiply 3.73.7 and 5.285.28
For this multiplication, we shall consider 3.73.7 as 3737 and 5.285.28 as 528.528. Then, we shall
multiply 3737 and 528528 to obtain 1953619536 as their product.
We observe that 3.73.7 has one digit after the decimal point, and 5.285.28 has two digits after the
decimal point. We have 1+2=3.1+2=3.
In product 19536,19536, we shall place the decimal point before 3 digits from the rightmost side.
Thus, we obtain 19.53619.536 as the product of 3.73.7 and 5.28.5.28.
The basic procedure for the multiplication of decimal numbers is applied for all cases of the
multiplication of decimal numbers. Yet, we can still discuss the multiplication of decimal numbers
into the following three sub-categories:
a) Multiplication of decimal numbers by 10,10010,100 and 10001000
b) Multiplication of a decimal number by a whole number
c) Multiplication of two decimal number
ACTIVITIES
I.Multiplying decimals by 10 or 100
Find the product.
1. 5.39 × 10 = _________
2. 42.0 × 100 = ________
3. 0.12 × 10 = _________
4. 5.71 × 10 = _________
5. 6.1 × 100 = _________
6. 5.35 × 10 = _________
7. 4.07 × 100 = ________
8. 0.49 × 100 = ________
9. 98.7 × 10 = _________
10. 92.0 × 100 =________
ABSTRACTION
Multiplying Decimals
Multiplying decimals is very important when we talk about the grouping of items. Suppose you have to
distribute 0.25 part of a chocolate bar to each child and there is a total of 12 children. How many
chocolate bars would you need? To find the number of chocolate bars required, we have to multiply 12 by
0.25. Multiplication of decimals is done by ignoring the decimal point and multiply the numbers, and then
the number of decimal places in the product is equal to the total number of decimal places in both the
given numbers.
Multiplying Decimals has the same procedure as that of multiplication of the whole numbers, except the
placement of the decimal point in the product. In our everyday life, we have come across various
instances where we have to use the multiplication operation on two numbers out of which at least one or
both are decimal numbers. Imagine going out with your friend for lunch. You both order a platter costing
$6.75 each. The total bill amounts to $15.75, including the taxes. To calculate the total cost of the platter
in the bill, you need to multiply $6.75 × 2. Similarly, suppose you plan to gift your mother a flower
bouquet on her birthday. Each flower costs $0.75 and you buy a total of 6 flowers. To find the total cost
of the bouquet, you need to multiply $0.75 × 6. The above examples follow the application of multiplying
decimals.
Step 1: Initially, ignore the decimal point and multiply the two numbers normally.
Step 2: After multiplication, count the number of decimal places in the decimal number. The
product obtained after multiplication will have the same number of decimal places.
Step 3: Place the decimal point in the obtained product following Step 2.
Let us understand a real-life situation of multiplying decimal numbers with whole numbers. A class of 15
students decided to contribute to a relief fund. Each student made a contribution of $6.5. What was the
total amount collected from the whole class? Here, the contribution made by one student = $6.5. Total
contribution made by 15 students = 6.5 × 15= $97.5.
While multiplying any decimal by 10, 100, 1000, or any other power of 10, we just simply shift the
decimal point towards the right as many places as the number of zeros in the power of 10.
If we multiply a decimal by 10, we shift the decimal point one place towards the right, as there
is 1 zero in the number 10.
If we multiply any decimal by 100, we shift the decimal point two places towards the right.
Similarly, if we multiply a decimal by 1000, we shift the decimal point by three places
towards the right, and so on.
For example, 2.32 × 10 = 23.2, 2.32 ×100 = 232, 2.32 × 1000= 2320.
This section will help you to learn about the multiplication of two decimal numbers. It is the same as that
of the whole number, but the only difference is that in this we have to take the sum of the total number of
decimal places in both the given numbers and that needs to be equal to the number of decimal places in
the product. To multiply two decimals, follow the steps listed below:
Step 1: Initially, ignore the decimal point and multiply the two numbers normally.
Step 2: After multiplication, count the total number of decimal places in both the numbers.
The product obtained after multiplication will have this total number of decimal places.
Step 3: Place the decimal point in the obtained product following Step 2.
Let us see the multiplication of two decimal numbers in the image given below:
Examples of Multiplying Decimals:
Therefore, 0.567 × 13.065 = 7.407855. There are 6 digits after the decimal point.
Therefore, 16.45 × 8.5 = 139.825. The product has 3 digits after the decimal point.
Important Notes:
These are few important notes related to the concept of multiplying decimals. Have a look!
The decimal multiplication follows the same procedure as the multiplication of whole
numbers.
The decimal point should be placed in the product in such a way that, the product has a
number of decimal places equal to the sum of decimal places of all the multiplicands and the
multipliers.
Make sure you keep all the zeros in the product while placing the decimal point.
If the product has more decimal places than the number of digits, zeros can be inserted on the
left before placing the decimal point in the product.
The trailing zeros in the resultant product can be dropped.
ANALYSIS
APPLICATION
1.Ashley bought 5 boxes of sugar. If the weight of 1 box is 1.694 pounds. Calculate the total weight of all
the boxes.
A. 8.74pounds
B. 8.47pounds
C.7.48 pounds
2. Amy went to the grocery shop to buy flour for preparing cookies. She bought 17.75 lbs of flour. If
price for 1 lb is 19.68. Calculate the total amount she paid to the shopkeeper.
A.349.32
B.343.2
C.349.64
II.CALCULATE
LESSON 8
DIVISION OF DECIMALS
Introduction
Dividing Decimals is similar to dividing whole numbers, keeping in mind the position of the decimal
point. While dividing decimal numbers, we need to follow a certain set of rules but the basic process of
division remains the same. Let us learn about long division with decimals, how to divide decimals with
whole numbers and how to divide decimals with decimals in this article.
How to Divide Decimals?
The process of dividing decimals is similar to the normal division process, but we just need to keep in
mind the decimal point which should be correctly placed in the quotient. A decimal number has a whole
number part and a fractional part separated by a dot which is the decimal point. The digits after the
decimal point have a value smaller than 1. For example, 24.15 is a decimal number in which 24 is the
whole number part and 15 is the fractional part. For dividing decimal numbers, we can come across 2
scenarios - one in which we need to divide decimals by a whole number, and the other in which we divide
decimals by decimals. Let us read more about this in the following sections.
Dividing decimals by whole numbers is similar to normal division. Here, the dividend is a decimal
number and the divisor is a whole number, so the decimal point in the quotient will be placed according
to the decimal point of the dividend. We can understand this with the help of the long division of
decimals.
Let’s practice!!
ACTIVITIES
Abstraction
Dividing Decimals
Dividing Decimals is similar to dividing whole numbers, keeping in mind the position of the decimal
point. While dividing decimal numbers, we need to follow a certain set of rules but the basic process of
division remains the same. Let us learn about long division with decimals, how to divide decimals with
whole numbers and how to divide decimals with decimals in this article.
The process of dividing decimals is similar to the normal division process, but we just need to keep in
mind the decimal point which should be correctly placed in the quotient. A decimal number has a whole
number part and a fractional part separated by a dot which is the decimal point. The digits after the
decimal point have a value smaller than 1. For example, 24.15 is a decimal number in which 24 is the
whole number part and 15 is the fractional part. For dividing decimal numbers, we can come across 2
scenarios - one in which we need to divide decimals by a whole number, and the other in which we divide
decimals by decimals. Let us read more about this in the following sections.
Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers
Dividing decimals by whole numbers is similar to normal division. Here, the dividend is a decimal
number and the divisor is a whole number, so the decimal point in the quotient will be placed according
to the decimal point of the dividend. We can understand this with the help of the long division of
decimals.
The long division of decimals can be easily done like the normal long division. Let us understand this
using an example.
Example: Divide 338.56 ÷ 23
Solution:
Step 1: First, write the division in the standard form. Start by dividing the whole number part
by the divisor.
Step 2: Place the decimal point in the quotient above the decimal point of the dividend. Bring
down the tenth digit.
Step 3: Divide and bring down the other digit in sequence. Divide until 0 is obtained in
the remainder. Thus, the decimal in the quotient is placed according to the decimal in the
dividend.
For dividing decimals by another decimal, we need to convert the divisor into a whole number and then
continue the division. Let us understand the conditions and rules for this method using an example.
Solution: In this division, the dividend and the divisor are decimals, so we need to convert the divisor to
a whole number using the following steps.
Step 1: The dividend is 48.65 and the divisor is 3.5. We need to change the divisor to a whole
number and so we will multiply it by 10 so that the decimal point shifts to the right and it
becomes a whole number. This means, 3.5 × 10 = 35.
Step 2: We need to treat the dividend in the same way as we had treated the divisor. So, we
will multiply the dividend by 10 as well. This means it will be 48.65 × 10 = 486.5. In other
words, we need to move both the decimal points to the right until the divisor becomes a whole
number.
Step 3: Now, we have 486.5 as the dividend and 35 as the divisor. This can be divided as we
do the usual division and we get 13.9 as the quotient.
Now, let us look at the following tips that are helpful while dividing decimals.
Convert the divisor to a whole number by multiplying by the powers of 10. Multiply the
dividend by the same powers of 10.
In order to divide a decimal number by 10, move the decimal point to the left by one place.
For example, if we need to divide 45.67 ÷ 10, then it can be easily done by shifting the
decimal point to the left and the answer will be 4.567
In order to divide a decimal number by 100, move the decimal point to the left by two places.
For example, if we need to divide 324.6 ÷ 100, then it can be easily done by shifting the
decimal point to the left and the answer will be 3.246
In order to divide a decimal number by 1000, move the decimal point to the left by three
places. For example, if we need to divide 8934.5 ÷ 1000, then it can be easily done by shifting
the decimal point to the left and the answer will be 8.9345
ANALYSIS
2) _______ ÷ 3 = 0.15
3) _______ ÷ 3 = 0.6
8) _______ ÷ 5 = 0.13
APPLICATION
REFLECTION
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It was difficult to choose what to pick for this paper. I enjoyed the class, and I feel that I have grown, both
However, as my goal is to learn to mentor homeschoolers and evaluate portfolios, I have included
I also included the Fractions and Decimals paper, below. Parents generally have little difficulty teaching
counting and the basic operations in elementary school math. They start to experience difficulty when
they encounter fractions, and become intimidated with needlessly complex education jargon that they
often encounter.
I would like to use some of what I learned to explain and simplify more advanced and confusing concepts
and teaching methods. Elementary school mathematics, including fractions doesn’t have to be so hard!
“Of course, the text is correct that young children intuitively develop many concepts of fractions on their
own, and have many uses for fractions. It doesn’t necessarily follow, however, that large amounts of time
(or any) should be spent on fraction instruction in the classroom, before fourth grade, especially if
children still struggle with understanding basic math concepts such as place value. However, if a teacher
must teach according to national standards, the text’s recommendation--to limit early fractions to
“informal but mathematically correct development”—makes sense. Teachers might disagree, however,
To begin, I would identify the prerequisite skills that students need in order to master this
concept. First the students need to understand place value of whole numbers and decimals; this
is necessary because rounding can affect the amount in a specified value. Another prerequisite is
that students need is to be able to round whole numbers; if students do not know when to round
to ten or zero, they will not be able to accurately round decimals. Finally, a concept that
relates…show more content…
The first two numbers only require the students to change the tenths and hundredths place, but
not the whole number; however, the last number allows the students to see that when rounding
to the nearest tenth, sometimes that requires changing the whole number, too. If after probing
for understanding, the students are providing feedback that they still do not grasp the basics of
the concepts, I would give additional numbers for them to practice rounding until a sufficient
level of understanding is reached.
Next, I would give the students a number line that has the numbers 1 to 10 and also includes
blanks in between that the students must fill in (e.g. 1.1 or 3.6). Then I would present the
students with mixed decimals, such as 2.39 or 5.74, which they need to place accurately on the
number line. Once the activity is finished, I would instruct the students to then use a different
colored writing utensil, round the numbers to the nearest tenth, and mark them on the number
line. Using the previous numbers, the students should have marked 2.4 and 5.7. This activity will
allow me to monitor whether or not the students understand the place value of decimals and
how to round or if I need to reteach the initial concepts. The number line also gives the students
a visual of the value of the numbers.
Get Access
What is a
Proportion?
There are a few different ways to define a
proportion.
How do you
Solve a
Proportion?
There's more than one way to solve a proportion.
be equal. Teachers: make sure to check out the study guides and acti
Why is this called the Means Extremes Property? The proportion can also be written with colons as a:b =
c:d. The extremes are the terms that are furthest apart on the outside: the a and the d. The means are the
terms on the inside: the b and c. This property says the product of the means is equal to the product of the
extremes: ad = bc.
If you have a variable in your proportion, you can cross-multiply and get an equation that is much easier
to solve.
Example 1
Solve for x.
There's more than one way to solve this proportion. To solve it by cross-multiplying, you multiply
diagonally and set the two cross-products equal to each other. Multiply the x and the 3 together and set it
equal to what you get when you multiply the 2 and the 9 together.
A common mistake that students make when they cross-multiply is that they forget about the equals sign and wri
always put the equals sign in between the two cross-products. If you're solving an equation and your equals sign
Example 2
Solve for x.
First, cross-multiply. Be extra careful when you simplify each side. Make sure to distribute the 5 and the 3.
If the middle steps didn't make sense to you, you make want to check out the lesson on solving equations with va
Example 3
Solve for x.
In this example, you end up multiplying x by itself when you cross-multiply. x times another x is x-squared. Yo
we're looking for a number that equals 36 when we square it. We can take the square root of both sides, but we n
the positive solution. 6 squared equals 36, but -6 times -6 also equals a positive 36. You can find similar equation
Example 4
Solve for x.
In this problem, you have to multiply x + 3 by x + 9 when you cross-multiply. When you multiply two binomials
binomials because they have 2 terms), you need to distribute twice - this is often called the FOIL method. Make
usually fastest to try and factor if you can, so we recommend always trying to factor first. In this case, the quadratic we have on the left side can be factored. Once you h
Make sure to check out the lesson on solving quadratic equations by factoring if you need more help with this typ