Decimal Place Value, Comparing & Rounding
Week 1 · Decimal Place Value
Learn how to read, compare, and round decimal numbers with confidence.
Decimals are numbers that have a whole part and a fractional part separated by a decimal point. Every digit in a decimal has a specific place value.\n\n## Place Value Chart\n\nFor the number 3.472:\n- 3 is in the ones place\n- 4 is in the tenths place (1/10)\n- 7 is in the hundredths place (1/100)\n- 2 is in the thousandths place (1/1000)\n\n## Comparing Decimals\n\nTo compare decimals, line up the decimal points and compare digit by digit from left to right.\n\n4.08 vs 4.8\n- Both have 4 ones\n- Tenths: 0 vs 8 → 4.8 is greater\n\n## Rounding Decimals\n\n1. Find the place you are rounding to\n2. Look at the digit to the right\n3. If it is 5 or more, round up; if less than 5, keep the same
Worked Examples
Example 1
📝 What is the value of the 7 in 3.472?
✓ Answer: Hundredths place = 7/100 = 0.07
Count the places: tenths (4), hundredths (7), thousandths (2). The 7 is in the hundredths place.
Example 2
📝 Round 6.738 to the nearest hundredth.
✓ Answer: 6.74
Look at the thousandths digit (8). Since 8 ≥ 5, round the hundredths digit up: 3 becomes 4.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Confusing tenths and hundredths places
- ⚠️Thinking 4.8 < 4.08 because 08 looks bigger
- ⚠️Forgetting to look at the digit to the RIGHT when rounding