Decimals are a convenient way of writing fractions. For example,
1) 2.3 means 2 and 3/10, or a number a bit larger than 2, but smaller than 3.
The X marks the place where 2.3 lies on the 2 number lines:
2) 753.23 means 753 and 23/100, a number betwee 753 and 754. It is also between 753.2 and 753.3!
X marks the place of 753.23 in the following number lines:
Adding more decimal points is like fine-tuning the number ... making
it more precise.
3) 63.662 means 63 and 662/1000, a number between 63 and 64. It is also between 63.6 and 63.7, and between 63.66 and 63.67.
X marks the spot of 63.662 in the following number lines:
Are you beginning to see the pattern? Here are some examples to try:
1) 37.8 means ________ and is larger than _____ and smaller than _____.
2) 3.4 means ________ and is between _____ and _____.
3) 21.35 means _______.
This is larger than ______ and smaller than ____.It is also between ___and___/10 and ___and___/10.
4) 77.837 means _______.
This is between ____ and ____.It is also between ___and___/10 and ___and___/10,
and between ___and___/100 and ___and___/100.
5) 99.999 means _________ and is just a tiny bit smaller than _____.
1) 37.8 means 37 and8/10, and is larger than 37 and smaller than 38.
2) 3.4 means 3 and 4/10, and is between 3 and 4.
3) 21.35 means 21 and 35/100.
This is larger than 21 and smaller than 22.It is also between 21 and 3/10, and 21 and 4/10.
4) 77.837 means 77 and 837/1000.
This is between 77 and 78.It is also between 77 and 8/10, and 77 and 9/10,
and between 77 and 83/100, and 77 and 84/100.
5) 99.999 means 99 and 999/1000, and is just a tiny bit smaller than 1000.
If, after completing this worksheet, you have questions or if anything remains unclear, stop by my office hours (or make an appointment).
Also, if you like, we can discuss how to type numbers and equations into your calculator.