It is important to break them down step by step.Explain whole number place values like tens and hundreds.Refer to decimals as "in-between" numbers with their own set of place values.Mention that decimals are related to fractions and show your students how to convert one to the other.When you have covered the basics, introduce mathematical operations such as adding and subtracting.
Step 1: Start by looking at the whole number place values.
Explain that each number is a place value.Let your students know which place stands for them.Write down the number 382.Tell students that the number farthest to the right is 2, the next number is 8 and the last one is hundreds.
Step 2: Explain that the numbers are not always the same.
Explain that some numbers are not whole numbers.There are lots of numbers in between the 5 and 6 numbers.Explain to your students that the numbers after the point are in between 2 whole numbers, and show them how to place a decimal point to the right.If you see another 5 after the point, that means it is in between 5 and 6.
Step 3: Introduce place values.
Explain that the place values are the same as whole numbers.Students should be told that they are always to the left of a decimal point.Show them that tenths are always to the right.If you want to avoid confusing decimal place values with tens and hundreds, over-pronounce tenths and hundredths.
Step 4: Discuss how fractions and decimals are related.
Explain how fractions and decimals are used to represent numbers in between.It is possible to turn fractions into a decimal that stands for the same number.It's helpful to coloring grids or shapes.Add lines to divide a piece of paper into 10 equal strips.Explain to them that the strip is 1/6 of the rectangle.Tell them that one-tenth is another way of saying 0.1.
Step 5: Explain how division can be used to convert fractions to decimals.
You can write down the basic sample fractions.Explain that the number on top is divided into two numbers.If you divide the top number by the bottom number, you can get a 0.25 value.Division can be used to convert fractions to decimals.The tenths and hundredths places relate to the top and bottom numbers of the fraction.0.25 means 25/100.
Step 6: Practice reading the numbers out loud.
If you want to read the numbers out loud, write them down.You can teach your students to use the correct place values by writing down 25.45 and reading it aloud as fifty-four and thirty-five thousand.If necessary, say, "That's a great try, but remember this number means thousandths."Give it a second chance!
Step 7: Do you know how to see if a number is bigger than another?
The place values in whole numbers and decimals are different.Explain that tenths are greater than hundredths.To find out which one is bigger, line up 2 numbers on top of each other.Explain that they need to look at the tenths place first to find the bigger number.3.535 is greater than 3.353.
Step 8: Students can use zeroes to visualize place values.
It might be difficult for beginners to compare numbers such as 3.5 and 3.350 since 350 looks larger than 5.Students can add zeroes to the right of a decimal to fill in place values.Adding zeroes to the right does not change the number's value.It might be easier for them to see that 3.500 is greater.When it's time to teach addition and subtraction, you can add zeroes to decimals.
Step 9: To see decimal values, fill in grids.
There are grids with 10 and 100 squares that can be used to show what a decimal is and how to compare it with other numbers.You can create your own by drawing a square and dividing it into 100 boxes.Ready-made grids can be downloaded and printed.Explain that the entire square is for one.We have colored 6 out of 10 strips.The total strips are six-tenths of a millimeter.We colored 25 out of 100 boxes.You can find out which decimals are bigger by coloring grids.In a second grid, color 35 out of 100 boxes.Explain how 0.35 is greater than 0.25.
Step 10: To compare values, draw number lines.
Number lines can be used to show the difference between whole numbers and decimals.The horizontal line should have vertical dashes at either end.On the left and right, write 5 and 6 above the dash.In the center, make another dash and label it 5.5.This number is in the middle between 5 and 6.If you want to place dashes for 5.75 and 5.25, ask them where to do it.
Step 11: Money can be used to explain the numbers.
Money can be used to teach decimals.Explain how your national currency is represented by coins.Use coins to demonstrate how to add and subtract decimals.
Step 12: The rounding of decimals should be introduced.
They can round decimals by looking to the right of the rounded place value.Students should be told if the number to the right of the rounded place value is greater than or equal to 5.Help them round the number to the nearest hundredth by writing 2.527Show them the number to their right if you can identify the hundredth place value.They can round the number to 2.53 if 7 is greater than 5.If the number was 2.522, they would round it down to 2.52.After walking them through a few examples, give them practice problems.
Step 13: Line the numbers up on top of each other.
How to add and subtract whole numbers is reviewed.Adding and subtracting decimals is the same thing as working with whole numbers.When adding and subtracting decimals, it's important to line up the points.It is possible to add zeroes to a decimal to fill in empty place values.If they can see all of the place values, they'll have an easier time subtracting 3.350 from3.500.Help them add and subtract by writing out problems.They should be able to work on their own problems.
Step 14: The next step is to add up the numbers.
Take a look at how to multiply whole numbers.The major difference in multiplication is that you need to add the total places in the numbers.The product must have as many places as the total.Take 2.5 by 5.5 and divide it by 2 to get the total number of decimal places.The product has to have 2 places.The product has to have 4 decimal places if you add 4.55 by 2.25.Work with them on a few examples, then have them practice on their own.
Step 15: The decimal point should be shifted to the right.
Before students are taught how to divide decimals, they should review long division using whole numbers.Explain that the divisors are moved all the way to the right.The number being divided by the other number is called the dividend.If you divide 15.75 by 1.5, place 1.5 on the outside of the long division symbol.Make 15 by moving the outside number's decimal point all the way to the right.You can make 157.5 by moving the inside number's point 1 place.Make a point above the long division symbol and line it up over the inside number's new point.To divide 15 into 157.5, use long division.Line up the decimal points and stress how important it is to move.
Step 16: Practice problems can be created or downloaded.
It's important to do practice problems to learn math.You can make your own or download a ready-made one from the Math.com website.Students should do at least 10 to 15 example problems for identifying place values, rounding, converting to fractions, adding, subtracting, and dividing.After guiding them through the first 2 or 3 problems, have them practice on their own.When working on practice problems, offer lots of encouragement.They can be reassured that they will get the hang of it if they offer gentle corrections.