Tenths Place

Topic

Place Value

Definition

The tenths place is the first position to the right of the decimal point, representing one tenth or 10⁻¹.

Description

The tenths place is a critical position in the decimal number system, representing one tenth or 10⁻¹. Understanding this place value is essential for working with decimal numbers, such as those encountered in financial calculations and scientific measurements. For example, in the number 0.45, the digit 4 is in the tenths place, representing 0.4.

In real-world applications, the tenths place is used in financial transactions, data analysis, and scientific calculations. It helps in understanding the precision of smaller numbers and making accurate calculations.

In algebra, the tenths place helps students understand the concept of smaller numbers and their operations. It is important for solving problems involving smaller numbers and scientific notation.

Teaching the tenths place is relevant to math education because it helps students grasp the precision of smaller numbers and their significance in various contexts. It also prepares them for advanced mathematical concepts involving smaller numbers.

Teacher's Script: "Let's look at the number 0.56. The digit 5 is in the tenths place, meaning it represents 0.5 or 5 × 10⁻¹."

For a complete collection of terms related to Place Value click on this link: Place Value Collection

The Tenths Place

A Brief Review of Place Value

When you look at a number, each digit represents a certain place value. Take a look at this three-digit number: 

1  2  3

The digit 3 is in the ones place. The digit 2 is in the tens place. The digit 1 is in the hundreds place.

The digit 3 is in the ones place. The digit 2 is in the tens place. The digit 1 is in the hundreds place.

For whole numbers, place value increases 10-fold.

Decimal Place Value

The same idea happens with decimals. Take a look at this number:

The 1 is in the tenths place. The 2 is in the hundredths place. The 3 is in the thousandths place.

The Tenths Place

This decimal value placeholder focuses on numbers in the tenths place.

The numbers 0-9 can go in the tenths placeholder. There are ten possible values, as shown below.