M2.6.3 For the adult
Tenths and the decimal point
My ruler says 1.5 m. Is that 1 m 5 cm?
What this chapter teaches
One tenth is 1/10 and is written 0.1. In 1.5 m the 5 after the point means 5 tenths of a metre, which is 50 cm. Many countries write a comma where others write the point, and the number is the same.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What does the 5 mean in 1.5 m?
- Which is longer, 1.5 m or 1 m 5 cm, and how do you know?
- If a tape says 2,4 m, how long is that in metres and centimetres?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Read 0.1 as one tenth, the same as 1/10
- Write 1 m 50 cm as 1.5 m
- Read 1.5 and 1,5 as the same number, written two ways
What they copy into their notebook
One tenth is 1/10 and 0.1. 10 tenths make 1. 1 m 50 cm is 1.5 m. 1,5 and 1.5 are the same number.