Writing Decimals Correctly

Objective

Know how to write a decimal number correctly.

Example

Is the following decimal number written correctly? If not, write it correctly.

07.5100

Answer: Not correct, 7.51

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Explanation

There is a standard way to write a decimal number. Just remember 4 things

• Erase all 0's on the left end if they are before a decimal point (unless it's the only number before the decimal point)

• Erase all 0's on the right end if they are after a decimal point

• If there is no whole number before the decimal point, put a 0

• If there is nothing after the decimal point, erase the decimal point

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Examples

Example 1

Is the following decimal number written correctly? If not, write it correctly.

007.51

Answer: Not correct, 7.51

[Erase all 0's on the left end if they are before a decimal (unless it's the only number before the decimal)]

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Example 2

Is the following decimal number written correctly? If not, write it correctly.

7.5100

Answer: Not correct, 7.51

[Erase all 0's on the right end if they are after a decimal]

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Example 3

Is the following decimal number written correctly? If not, write it correctly.

.51

Answer: Not correct, 0.51

[If there is no whole number before the decimal, put a 0]

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Example 4

Is the following decimal number written correctly? If not, write it correctly.

15.0

Answer: Not correct, 15

[If there is nothing after the decimal point, erase the decimal point]

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Practice your skills