Problem 4 - Prealgebra

Question

Which digit is in the tenths column of the number 9,279.0075?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The digit in the tenths column is 0.

Step 1: Understanding Place Values

Recall the place value system. In a decimal number, the first digit to the right of the decimal point is the tenths place.

Step 2: Identifying the Decimal Point

Locate the decimal point in the number 9,279.0075. The decimal point is between the 9 and the 0.

Step 3: Determining the Tenths Digit

The tenths digit is the first digit immediately to the right of the decimal point. In 9,279.0075, this digit is 0.

Key Concepts

Tenths Place

When you look at a decimal number, the tenths place is an important part of understanding its value. It is the first digit that appears directly to the right of the decimal point. For example, in the number 9,279.0075, the digit in the tenths place is immediately to the right of the decimal, which is 0. Knowing which digit is in the tenths place helps you read and understand decimal numbers correctly.

• First digit to the right of the decimal point
• Helps in determining the decimal value quickly
• Critical for precise calculations in math and science

Decimal Numbers

Decimal numbers are a way to express numbers that are not whole. They include a whole number part and a fractional part, separated by a decimal point. For example, the number 9,279.0075 has a whole number part of 9,279 and a fractional part of 0075.
Decimals come in handy when you deal with quantities that are not complete or are partial, such as scores, measurements, or money. They allow for more detailed representation of values, enabling accuracy.

• Consist of a whole number and a fractional part
• Fractional part is expressed in tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.
• Useful in everyday situations like shopping or measuring

Understanding Place Values

Understanding place values is crucial for dealing with any number, not just decimals. Place value determines the value of a digit based on its position in the number. For example, in the number 9,279.0075, the digits are positioned from thousands, hundreds, tens, units to tenths, hundredths, and so on.
Imagine place value as a ladder where each step signifies a power of ten. The higher up you go, the larger the value of that step. Place values on the left of the decimal grow by ten, while those on the right shrink by one-tenth for each step.
Correct understanding of place values helps in

• Reading numbers accurately
• Performing arithmetic operations correctly
• Solving more complex problems easily

Make sure to remember that even a tiny change in a place value can significantly alter the number's overall value.