Problem Set 36 – Tenths and the Decimal PointClass 5 Maths · Chapter 9 Decimal Fractions · Problem Set 36 – Maharashtra Board

Summary: Problem Set 36 – Tenths and the Decimal Point

A decimal fraction is a fraction whose denominator is 10, 100, 1000 and so on, like 3/10 or 45/100.

In our number system each place is 10 times the place on its right. Going the other way, one unit split into 10 equal parts gives tenths.

The tenths place sits just to the right of the units place. It is also called the first decimal place.

A dot called the decimal point separates the whole-number part from the fraction part: 4 and 7/10 is written 4.7.

We read 4.7 as 'four point seven'. A fraction with no whole part, like 9/10, is written 0.9 ('zero point nine').

Key points to remember

• Decimal fraction: denominator 10, 100, 1000 …
• Each place is 10 times the place to its right
• 1 unit = 10 tenths
• Tenths place = first place after the decimal point
• Decimal point separates whole part and fraction part
• 4 7/10 = 4.7, read 'four point seven'
• 9/10 = 0.9 — write 0 in the units place
• MRP ₹ 24.50 = 24 rupees 50 paise

Problem Set 36 – Tenths and the Decimal Point – Notes

1. What is a decimal fraction?

• Fractions such as 3/10, 45/100 and 268/1000 have denominators 10, 100 and 1000.
• These are called decimal fractions.
• They can be written in a shorter way using a dot. Prices like ₹ 24.50 use this way.

2. Places going smaller

• 1 hundred = 10 tens, 1 ten = 10 units. Each place is ten times the one on its right.
• Now split 1 unit into 10 equal parts. Each part is 1/10, called one-tenth.
• So we make a new place to the RIGHT of the units place: the tenths place (first decimal place).

3. The decimal point

• We put a dot after the units digit to show where the whole number ends. This dot is the decimal point.
• Digits to the left of the point are whole numbers; the digit just after it shows tenths.
• 6 and 3/10 → 6.3; 15 and 8/10 → 15.8.

4. Writing mixed fractions as decimals

• Step 1: write the whole number.
• Step 2: put the decimal point.
• Step 3: write the numerator of the tenths fraction after the point.
• If there is no whole number, write 0 before the point: 2/10 = 0.2.

5. Reading decimals aloud

• Say the whole number, then 'point', then the digit after the point.
• 9.4 → 'nine point four'; 31.5 → 'thirty-one point five'.
• Both 7/10 and 0.7 mean seven tenths — the first is the usual fraction way, the second is the decimal way.

Formulas at a glance

Key terms

Problem Set 36 – Tenths and the Decimal Point – Flashcards

Read the question, answer it in your head, then tap the card to check. 10 cards.

Problem Set 36 – Tenths and the Decimal Point – MCQ Quiz

10 questions. Tap an option — you will see at once if it is right and why.

How to study Problem Set 36 – Tenths and the Decimal Point

⏱ About 20 minutes

1. Learn (5 min)
   Learn what decimal fractions are and where the tenths place is.
2. Write (10 min)
   Turn mixed fractions with denominator 10 into decimals and read them aloud.
3. Practise (5 min)
   Do the 4 'Try it yourself' sums, take the quiz and play 🎮 Play.