What the point separates
A scoreboard shows 4.07. How do you say it, and what does it mean?
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Step 1 of 4
- 4.07 has a zero in the tenths column.
- Take that zero out.
- The 7 slides left.
- Now it reads 4.7, a different number.
The rule
You say 4.07 as four point zero seven. It means 4 wholes, 0 tenths and 7 hundredths.
Digits left of the point count wholes. Digits right of the point count parts of one.
Say each digit after the point on its own.
Ten tenths make one, so 456 tenths is 45.6. 450 tenths are 45 wholes, and 6 tenths are left.
| Column | Digit | What it is worth |
|---|---|---|
| Ones | 4 | 4 whole things |
| Tenths | 5 | 5 tenths |
| Hundredths | 0 | no hundredths |
| Thousandths | 7 | 7 thousandths |
Watch out!
Zeros at the end of the digits after the point can go. 4.70 and 4.7 are equal. A zero between the point and a digit cannot go.