Problem 76 - Prealgebra

Question

One medium banana contains 0.64 milligram of \(\mathrm{B}_{6} .\) Write 0.64 in words.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Zero point six four.

Step 1: Understanding Decimal Representation

A decimal number like 0.64 represents a value less than one. It can be interpreted as 'zero point six four', where 'six' is in the tenths place and 'four' is in the hundredths place.

Step 2: Breaking Down the Decimal

In 0.64, the '0' is in the units place, indicating there are no whole units. The '6' is in the tenths place, which means six-tenths, and the '4' is in the hundredths place, which means four-hundredths.

Step 3: Writing Zero in Words

Since 0.64 starts with a '0' before the decimal point representing whole units, begin by writing this as 'zero'.

Step 4: Writing the Decimal in Words

After the decimal point, '0.64' is read as 'point six four' by naming each digit in its respective order.

Step 5: Combining the Words

Combine all parts into a single phrase to write 0.64 in words: 'zero point six four.'

Key Concepts

Writing Decimals in Words

When you encounter a decimal number, you can express it verbally by reading it out loud using words. This skill is useful for clarity, and in many fields such as science and finance. To talk about decimal numbers, you should:

• Start by saying the number before the decimal as it is, even if it means "zero": for example, in 0.64, you say "zero" for the first part.
• Follow with the word "point" to indicate the decimal point itself.
• Conclude by naming each digit following the decimal individually: in 0.64, you would say each number after the point, so "six four".

For example, to say 0.64 as a complete phrase, you combine these steps: "zero point six four." Practicing reading numbers in this way helps cement your understanding of how decimals work and are constructed.

Decimal Place Value

Decimal numbers are representations of fractions and can be broken down by examining each digit's position. This is known as the place value system.

• The number furthest to the left before the decimal indicates whole units, and every number right of the decimal represents a fraction of one.
• In the example of 0.64, the digit '6' is in the tenths place, meaning it represents six tenths, while '4' is in the hundredths place, meaning it represents four hundredths.
• Each move from left to right after the decimal point divides the place value by 10. Hence, tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on.

Understanding how these positions work aids in interpreting and converting decimals into other numerical forms, like fractions. Remember, knowledge about "place value" makes reading and writing decimals easier.

Tenths and Hundredths

Decimals are divided into parts based on the number of digits following the decimal point. Two important places to know are tenths and hundredths:

• The first digit to the right of the decimal is the tenths place. It indicates how many tenths of a whole are in the number.
• The second digit right of the decimal is known as the hundredths place. This position tells you how many hundredths make up the number.
• In the number 0.64, the '6' is in the tenths position, meaning 6 parts out of 10. The '4' in the hundredths place means 4 out of 100.

These positions are crucial when writing decimals in words or converting them to fractions because each place value tells part of the number's story about its size and parts of a whole. By mastering tenths and hundredths, you strengthen your numerical literacy and ability to work with decimal numbers.