Discovering Decimal Numbers
Discovering Decimal Numbers
Lesson duration is: 10 minItems in this lesson
Discovering Decimal Numbers
What do you already know about decimal numbers?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain what decimal numbers are, read and write decimals, and compare their values.
What Are Decimal Numbers?
Decimal numbers are numbers with a point (.) that separates the whole part from the fractional part, like 3.5.
Decimals vs Whole Numbers
Decimal numbers show values between whole numbers, e.g., 2.7, 9.01, 15.6.
Decimal Numbers
Whole Numbers
Whole numbers are numbers without fractions or decimals, e.g., 4, 15, 82.
Parts of a Decimal
The digit before the dot is the whole number part; the digit(s) after the dot are the decimal part.
Reading Decimals
We read decimals by naming the whole number, saying 'point,' then naming each digit after the decimal point, e.g., 4.23 as 'four point two three.'
Decimals in Real Life
Decimals are used in money, measurements, and science. For example, £2.50 or 1.75 metres.
Comparing Decimals
Compare digits after the decimal point, e.g., 3.4 > 3.2.
The decimal with the larger whole number is bigger, e.g., 5.2 > 4.8.
Different Whole Numbers
Same Whole Number
Placing Decimals on a Number Line
Decimals fit between whole numbers on a number line. 1.5 sits halfway between 1 and 2.
Practice: Write These Decimals
Can you write the following numbers in decimal form? a) Four and a half b) Ten and twenty-five hundredths
Reflection
What did you find most interesting about decimal numbers? Share one real-life example you’ve seen.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
