Math · Numbers, fractions & decimals
Decimals and Place Value Operations
Estimated time includes reading and one quiz. Take the time you need.
Start here: key ideas
- Each move left is ten times larger; each move right is ten times smaller.
- Align decimal points for addition and subtraction.
- Count total decimal places in multiplication.
- For written decimal division, scale both numbers equally to make the divisor whole.
What you’ll be able to do
- Use decimal place value and align operations.
- Multiply and divide decimals.
- Estimate decimal placement.
Anchor every digit to place value, then use magnitude to catch misplaced decimals.
Read value before calculating
Place value is a digit’s value because of its position. The decimal point separates ones from fractional places. The first position right of it is tenths; the second is hundredths; the third is thousandths. In 4.072, the 7 means seven hundredths, not seven tenths.
Scroll the table sideways if needed.
| Ones | Tenths | Hundredths | Thousandths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 7 | 2 |
Adding a final zero does not change value: 3.5=3.50. A zero inside the number holds a place and cannot be dropped: 4.072≠4.72.
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