Number lines and decimals (tenths/hundredths)

Number lines

Number lines work the same way, whether we are using decimals or not, with numbers increasing as we move to the right. Getting the hang of a number line with whole numbers is a great way to see how they work. You can also look at number lines using fractions, since fractions are just a different way to express decimals. 

 

Working with tenths

When we divide $1$1 unit into 10 equal pieces, it is broken into $10$10 tenths, as shown below. 

Plotting tenths

When we work with decimals, remembering that $0.1$0.1 is $\frac{1}{10}$110​ is really helpful. Have a look at how we can plot decimals in tenths in this video.

 

Working out numbers with tenths

Next, can you work out what these numbers on a number line are? Instead of plotting decimals, we have to work out what has been plotted for us.

 

Working with hundredths

When we work with hundredths, the process is the same but the end points on our number line are different. $1$1 tenth is broken into $10$10 hundredths, so we are zooming in on smaller numbers.

 

Plotting hundredths

Let's plot some hundredths together in this video. 

 

WORKING OUT NUMBERS WITH hundredths

Can you work out what these decimals are? You'll also how to work out which number is furthest to the right on a number line, as well as a special twist for those keen to plot some tricky numbers.

 

Worked Examples

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3