Understanding Decimal Place Value: Constructing a Place Value Chart

This lesson explores the relationship between decimal and whole number place values. It explains how each decimal place is related by constructing a place value chart. The lesson addresses common misunderstandings about decimal notation and demonstrates how each place value is 10 times larger or smaller than its neighboring place. By using models and examples, the lesson illustrates the consistent relationship between decimal and whole number place values.

What is a common misunderstanding students have about decimal place values?

• Believing that each decimal place is 100 times larger than the next

• Thinking that 16 hundredths is written as 16.100

• Assuming that decimals are not related to whole numbers

• Considering that decimals do not have place values

How many thousandths make up one hundredth?

• 5

• 10

• 15

• 20

What is the relationship between the tenths and hundredths place?

• Tenths is 5 times larger than hundredths

• Tenths is 10 times larger than hundredths

• Tenths is 15 times larger than hundredths

• Tenths is 20 times larger than hundredths

What happens to the value of each place as you move from left to right in decimal numbers?

• It becomes 10 times smaller

• It becomes 20 times smaller

• It becomes 5 times smaller

• It becomes 15 times smaller

How many tenths are needed to make one whole?

• 5

• 10

• 20

• 15

What is the value of one hundredth compared to one tenth?

• One hundredth is 1/5 of one tenth

• One hundredth is 1/20 of one tenth

• One hundredth is 1/10 of one tenth

• One hundredth is 1/15 of one tenth

What is the overall relationship between decimal and whole number place values?

• Decimal values are unrelated to whole numbers

• Decimal values are 100 times smaller than whole numbers

• Decimal values are 100 times larger than whole numbers

• Decimal values have the same relationship as whole numbers