With decimals, this idea behind the place value of whole numbers is extended. First, a decimal point is placed to the right of the ones place in a whole number. Then more numbers are appended to the right of the decimal point.
The following table shows how the whole number 4,672 breaks down in terms of place value.
| Thousands | Hundreds | Tens | Ones |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 7 | 2 |
This number means 4,000 + 600 + 70 + 2.
Similarly, the decimal 4,672.389 breaks down as shown:
| Thous-ands | Hun-dreds | Tens | Ones | Decimal Point | Tenths | Hun-dredths | Thous-andths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 7 | 2 | . | 3 | 8 | 9 |
This decimal means
The connection between fractions and decimals becomes obvious when you look at place value. Decimals really are a shorthand notation for fractions. You can represent any fraction as a decimal.
