Describe and represent tenths as a decimal number
I can describe and represent tenths as a decimal number.
Describe and represent tenths as a decimal number
I can describe and represent tenths as a decimal number.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- If a digit is moved one place value column to the right it becomes one tenth the size.
- One tenth is one tenth the size of one whole.
- Tenths are recorded in the column to the right of the decimal point so one tenth is 0.1
- The decimal point separates whole numbers from numbers with a decimal fraction part.
Keywords
One tenth the size - When a whole is divided into ten equal parts, we can say one of those parts is one tenth the size of the whole.
Tenths column - The tenths column places the number of tenths a given number has.
Decimal point - A decimal point is a small dot used in a number to separate the whole number from the fractional part.
Common misconception
Pupils put a digit in the ones column instead of the tenths column to represent a number of tenths.
Continue to ask what each digit that has been recorded represents, linking back to the place value chart and the role of the decimal point.
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Describe and represent tenths as a decimal number, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Describe and represent tenths as a decimal number, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Understand tenths as part of a whole, represent and calculate mentally unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



7 tenths
2 tenths
9 tenths

Exit quiz
6 Questions


0.7
0.9
0.2
1