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Extending Place Value Beyond the Decimal


Place value understanding extends to decimals by continuing to the right of the decimal point. Each place represents one-tenth of the value of the place to its left. Decimals can be modeled through multiple representations, including number lines, decimal squares, and base ten blocks.

Decimals are ordered by comparing place value. First the whole numbers should be compared. If they match, the numbers to the immediate right of the decimal place should be compared. Each value should be compared, slowly moving to the right, until the digits do not match.