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How Do You Read a Decimal Number?

Published in Decimal Numbers 2 mins read

Reading a decimal number involves understanding its two main parts: the whole number part and the fractional part, separated by a decimal point. Effectively, you read the whole number, then say "and" for the decimal point, and finally articulate the numbers after the decimal, identifying their place value.

Steps to Reading a Decimal Number

To accurately read any decimal number, follow these clear steps:

  1. Read the Whole Number Part: Begin by reading the digits to the left of the decimal point as you would any ordinary whole number.
  2. Say "And" for the Decimal Point: When you encounter the decimal point, pronounce it as "and." This word signals the transition from the whole number part to the fractional part.
  3. Read the Fractional Part:
    • Identify the number: Read the digits to the right of the decimal point as a whole number. For instance, if you see ".27," read it as "twenty-seven."
    • Determine the place value: Identify the place value of the last digit in the fractional part. This tells you the "family" the decimal belongs to (e.g., tenths, hundredths, thousandths).
    • Combine: State the number you read in the previous step, followed by the place value you identified.

Examples in Practice

Let's illustrate with common examples:

  • 6.2: Read as "six and two tenths." (The '2' is in the tenths place.)
  • 6.27: Read as "six and twenty-seven hundredths." (The '7' is in the hundredths place, so the entire fractional part "27" is read as "twenty-seven hundredths.")
  • 6.275: Read as "six and two hundred seventy-five thousandths." (The '5' is in the thousandths place, so the entire fractional part "275" is read as "two hundred seventy-five thousandths.")

Understanding Decimal Place Values

The position of each digit after the decimal point determines its value, crucial for correctly reading decimal numbers. Here's a quick reference for common decimal place values:

Position After Decimal Place Value Example (as a fraction) Example (as a decimal) How to Read
1st Tenths 1/10 0.1 One tenth
2nd Hundredths 1/100 0.01 One hundredth
3rd Thousandths 1/1000 0.001 One thousandth
4th Ten-thousandths 1/10000 0.0001 One ten-thousandth
5th Hundred-thousandths 1/100000 0.00001 One hundred-thousandth

Mastering these place values is key to accurately interpreting and communicating numerical values that include fractions expressed in the decimal system. For further exploration of decimals, you might find resources like Khan Academy's section on decimals helpful.