Decimal place value - Definition with Examples

Decimal Place Value

A decimal number consists of a whole number and a fractional part, separated by a decimal point. 

Place value of a digit

Depending upon the position of a digit in a number, it has a value called its place value. For example, the place value of the digit 6 in the number 1673 is 600 as 6 is in the hundreds place. However, if we interchange the digits 6 and 7 in the number 1673, we get a new number 1763. In 1763 the place value of the digit 6 is 60 as it is in the tens place. 

We can use a decimal place value chart to find the place values of the digits in a decimal number. 

A decimal place value chart helps to find the place value of the digits in a decimal number.

Example: Write the place value of the digits 2 and 4 in the number 326.471

First, write the number in a decimal place value chart.

Then, look at the place of the digit and find its place value.

The digit 2 is in the tens place. Therefore, its place value is 2 tens or 20.

The digit 4 is in the tenths place. Therefore, its place value is 4 tenths or 0.4

Example: Find the place value of the underlined digits in the number 4532.079

In the number 4532.079:

4 is at the thousands place. So, its place value is 4 thousands or 4000

0 is at the tenths place. So, its place value is 0 tenths or 0

9 is at the thousandths place. So, its place value is 9 thousandths or 0.009