Why do I need to know my place values for decimals?

Answer 1

Understanding that the first place to the right of the decimal is called the tenths place, the next is the hundredths place, and so on is essential for an understanding of decimals. Here are a few examples where this knowledge is useful:

1. Word form. In order to read a number out loud correctly or write down a number someone tells you, you need to understand the place values to the right of the decimal. This helps you know that "five and six hundredths" can also be written 5.06
2. Converting to fractions. A decimal is a part of a whole, just like a fraction is. They are the values between 0 and 1. Sometimes, it helps to be able to convert a decimal to a fraction or vice versa. If you have the number 0.07 , the seven is in the hundredths place, which means it is equal to "seven hundredths" or 7/100.

There are many more uses, but I hope these examples were enough to show why it is useful to understand the values of decimal places.

Answer 2

"Why do I need to know my place values for decimals?"

Because someday someone is going to ask you to sign a contract where you work for money and knowing where the decimal is and why is going to be extremely important to you.

Example:

You have been given two different job offers.

One pays an hourly wage of $10.00

One pays an hourly wage of $100.0

Do you understand the value of each offer? You will if you understand decimal place values.