Skill: Read decimals to tenths

A decimal shows parts of one whole. The digit immediately to the right of the decimal point tells how many tenths there are.

Example: Read $(3.7)$

1. The $3$ is to the left of the decimal point, so it means 3 wholes.
2. The $7$ is immediately to the right of the decimal point, so it means 7 tenths.
3. Put the parts together:

$$3.7 = 3\text{ wholes and }7\text{ tenths}$$

You can read $(3.7)$ in two ways:

• three and seven tenths
• three point seven

Think of one whole divided into $(10)$ equal parts. Each part is one tenth, and $(3.7)$ means 3 wholes plus 7 of those tenths.