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Read, Write, and Expand Decimals
Created by Shaunak Ghosh
You will learn to read and write decimals up to thousandths using models, place value words, and charts. You will also practice writing decimals in expanded form, connecting decimals to fractions, spotting equivalent decimals with trailing zeros, and decomposing decimals in more than one way.
Requirements
- Whole-number place value (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands)
- Comfort counting by tens and ones
- Understanding that a whole can be split into equal parts
- Basic money sense (dollars and cents)
What you'll learn
- Read and write decimals up to thousandths using place value meaning, not digit-by-digit reading.
- Use models and a place value chart to write decimals correctly, including zeros as placeholders (like 3.04).
- Identify the place and value of digits in whole numbers (to thousands) and decimals (to thousandths).
Learning path
7 modules • Each builds on the previous one
1
Decimal place value with base-ten blocks
Use base-ten models (flats, rods, cubes) to represent decimals. Practice counting blocks, using the given unit (like 1 cube = 0.01), and writing a decimal to hundredths using zeros for missing places.
2 videos11 min
2
Decimal number names to thousandths
Learn to read and write decimals to thousandths in word form and standard form. Use correct place value names (tenths, hundredths, thousandths) instead of incorrect phrases like “twenty-one tenths.”
1 video4 min
3
Find digit values in decimals
Practice two skills: (1) name the place of a digit in a decimal, and (2) tell which digit is in a given place. Work with whole numbers up to thousands and decimals to thousandths.
1 video7 min
4
Expanded form using decimal values
Write decimals to thousandths in expanded form using decimal values (0.1, 0.01, 0.001). Use single-digit factors for each place and avoid endings like 5.230 (write 5.23).
1 video5 min
5
Expanded form using unit fractions
Write decimals to thousandths in expanded form using unit fractions (1/10, 1/100, 1/1000). Read and understand expressions like 7 × 1/100 as “seven hundredths.”
1 video4 min
6
Equivalent decimals and trailing zeros
Learn why decimals like 0.70, 0.700, and 0.7000 are equal. Practice identifying equivalent decimals (up to thousandths) and avoid the mistake of thinking extra zeros change the value.
1 video4 min
7
Decompose decimals in more than one way
Break a decimal into different equal expanded forms and place-value word decompositions (like 8 ones + 17 hundredths + 6 thousandths). Use the idea that 10 of one place equals 1 of the place to the left.
1 video5 min
Start Learning
Begin your learning journey
Modules7
Duration35 min
Science-backed learning
In-video quizzes and scaffolded content to maximize retention.
Key concepts
Reading Decimals Using Models And A Place Value ChartSaying And Writing Decimals With Place Value NamesFinding A Digit’S Place And Value