Problem 75 - Prealgebra

Question

A 50-gram egg contains 0.15 milligram of riboflavin. Write 0.15 in words.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

0.15 is read as "fifteen hundredths."

Step 1: Understanding the Number

The number given is 0.15, which is a decimal number. The digit '0' in front of the decimal point represents whole numbers. There are no whole numbers in this case, as it is zero.

Step 2: Reading the Tenths Place

The first digit after the decimal point is '1', which is in the tenths place. This is read as "one tenth."

Step 3: Reading the Hundredths Place

The second digit after the decimal point is '5', which is in the hundredths place. This is read as "five hundredths."

Step 4: Putting It All Together

Combine the tenths and hundredths to describe the whole decimal. The entire number 0.15 is read as "fifteen hundredths."

Key Concepts

Decimal Place Value

Decimal place value is an essential concept when working with decimal numbers like 0.15. A decimal number consists of a whole number part and a fractional part, separated by a decimal point. In 0.15:

• The '0' before the decimal point indicates that there are no whole numbers.
• The place immediately after the decimal point is the tenths place. Here, we have a '1', which means one-tenth.
• The second position after the decimal point is the hundredths place. The digit '5' here corresponds to five hundredths.

Understanding decimal place value helps us see how each digit plays a part in forming the whole decimal. These positions allow us to express quantities that are less than a whole number, providing a precise way to represent small values.

Reading Decimals in Words

Deciphering how to read decimal numbers is crucial, especially in conveying quantities effectively. Reading decimals involves articulating the values of each digit according to their place values, as seen in 0.15. Let's break it down:

• Start from the left: In the number 0.15, while '0' denotes zero whole part, it can be omitted when reading.
• The digit '1' is in the tenths position, which is read as "one tenth."
• '5' takes its place within the hundredths, rendered as "five hundredths."
• Combine these parts, and 0.15 is read orally as "fifteen hundredths."

This correct expression allows for accurate communication of values in mathematical discussions and real-world applications.

Understanding Decimal Notation

Decimal notation lets us represent fractions in an easy-to-read format, critical in measurements and precise calculations. Decimals use a base-ten system that extends beyond whole numbers to express fractional values:

• Each position to the right of the decimal point reduces by a power of ten.
• For instance, tenths are 10^-1 and hundredths are 10^-2. When you write 0.15, you're using the decimal point to convey these minute units as a consolidated number.
• This approach simplifies the representation of numbers that aren't whole, aiding in accuracy and efficiency.

Grasping decimal notation opens doors to diverse mathematical problems and helps to illustrate small but important differences in values.