Identify decimal place values

A decimal’s place value is determined by its position relative to the decimal point: digits to the left represent ones, tens, and hundreds, while digits to the right represent tenths, hundredths, and thousandths, each position being one-tenth the value of the position before it. The learner can identify a digit’s value and distinguish it from the digit itself, including in decimals with zeros; more extended decimal place-value systems and general powers-of-ten notation beyond this range are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Identify decimal place values

A digit’s place value depends on its position relative to the decimal point.

To the left: hundreds, tens, ones
To the right: tenths, hundredths, thousandths

Each place to the right is one-tenth of the place before it.

Example

What is the value of the digit $5$ in $(407.305)$ ?

Find the decimal point:

407.305

Name the places from the decimal point:

\underbrace{4}_{\text{hundreds}} \underbrace{0}_{\text{tens}} \underbrace{7}_{\text{ones}}. \underbrace{3}_{\text{tenths}} \underbrace{0}_{\text{hundredths}} \underbrace{5}_{\text{thousandths}}

The digit $5$ is in the thousandths place.
Therefore, its value is:

5\text{ thousandths} = 0.005

The digit is $5$ , but the value of the digit is $\boxed{0.005}$ . The zeros hold their places so that the $5$ is correctly identified as thousandths, not hundredths.

Learn by doing: Identify decimal place values

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Numbers to Word Equivalents - Decimals

Earned ?