1. Place Values:
- Just as whole numbers have ones, tens, hundreds, etc., decimals extend these place values to the right.
- The place values to the right of the decimal point are tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on.
2. Decimal Point:
- The decimal point (.) separates the whole number part (to the left of the point) from the decimal part (to the right of the point).
3. Reading Decimals:
- To read a decimal, start with the whole number part.
- Then, read the decimal part by saying the digit names followed by the place value.
4. Writing Decimals:
- To write a decimal, first write the whole number part.
- Then, place a decimal point and write the decimal part, adding as many zeros as needed.
5. Comparing Decimals:
- To compare decimals, start by comparing the whole number parts.
- If the whole number parts are the same, compare the decimal parts digit by digit, moving from left to right.
6. Adding and Subtracting Decimals:
- To add or subtract decimals, align the decimal points and perform regular addition or subtraction.
- Add zeros to the right as needed to ensure the decimal points are aligned.
7. Multiplication:
- To multiply decimals, ignore the decimal points temporarily and multiply as usual.
- After multiplying, count the total number of decimal places in the factors and place the decimal point in the product accordingly.
8. Division:
- Long division or calculator is generally used for decimal division.
- Place the decimal point in the quotient as soon as the decimal point appears in the dividend.
Understanding decimals is essential in various aspects of daily life, mathematics, science, and measurement, allowing for precise representation and calculation of fractional values.