Decimals
Interactive Resources:
BBC Bitesize: decimals
This interactive resource presents a review of some decimal fraction concepts and calculations. The
resource includes a review of place value, addition and subtraction of decimals, and multiplication of
decimals by whole numbers and powers of 10. Practice questions, with answers, are provided for
students and students have access to test questions, with answers, to evaluate their knowledge and
skills. This resource is one of a series of online resources from the BBC's Bitesize collection.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/maths/number/decimals/activity/
Design a farm
Help a town planner to design a site plan for a farm. Using a 10x20 grid, design areas for two regions
(orchards and houses) based on the decimals given. Assign the area for an additional six regions,
using decimals of your choice. Observe the number line displaying equivalent fractions and
percentages for the decimals used. This learning object is one in a series of three objects combined
as 'Neighbourhood fractions'.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L124/index.html
Hopper: tenths
Help a frog to jump along a number line. Estimate the finishing point on a number line, after adding
or subtracting multiples of tenths to a starting number. For example, 29.5+(12 x 0.2) = 31.9. Explore
the patterns made on a counting grid and number line. Identify counting rules that match the
pattern of 'landing spots' on a counting grid. This learning object is one in a series of seven objects.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L1085/index.html
Hopper: hundredths
Help a frog to jump along a number line. Estimate the finishing point on a number line, after adding
or subtracting multiples of hundredths to a starting number. For example, 1.72 + (11 x 0.07) = 2.49.
Explore the patterns made on a counting grid and number line. Identify counting rules that match
the pattern of 'landing spots' on a counting grid. This learning object is one in a series of seven
objects.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L587/index.html
Decimaster: match-up 2
Explore ways of representing decimals using mathematical notation and visual tools. Match a
decimal fraction between 0 and 1 such as 0.7. Adjust units on a range of visual scales and other
representations. Work through these representations in any order: common fraction, number line,
counting frame, dial, array and pie chart. Match three decimals with each tool. This learning object is
one in a series of nine objects.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L1077/index.html
Wishball: tournament
Challenge your understanding of place value in whole numbers and decimal fractions, from 0.001 to
9999. Either add or subtract numbers to reach a target number. For example, receive a starting
number of 39.61. Spin the number 5 and decide whether to add or subtract 0.05, 0.5, 5 or 50 to
reach your target number of 70.12 within 20 turns. Use the ‘Wishball’ to select your final digit. Try to
reach the target in as few turns as possible. Play a random game, replay a previous game or play a
game with the same target number as someone else. This learning object is one in a series of 15
objects.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L8460/index.html
Hopper: ultimate
Help a frog to jump along a number line. Estimate the finishing point on a number line, after adding
or subtracting multiples of decimal fractions or whole numbers to a starting number. For example,
1.72 + (11 x 0.07) = 2.49. Explore the patterns made on a counting grid and number line. Identify
counting rules that match the pattern of 'landing spots' on a counting grid. This learning object is
one in a series of seven objects.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L1086/index.html
Multiplication of decimals by a whole number
This is a four-page HTML resource about solving problems concerning the multiplication of decimals.
It contains one video and four questions, two of which are interactive. The resource discusses and
explains solving problems involving multiplying a decimal by a whole number to reinforce the
students' understanding.
http://www.amsi.org.au/ESA_Resources/Q3431/Q3431_1.html
Multiplication and division of decimals
This is a website designed for both teachers and students that addresses multiplication and division
of decimals from the Australian Curriculum for year 7 students. It contains material on multiplication
and division of decimals and helps students to understand multiplication and division as inverses of
each other. There are pages for both teachers and students. The student pages contain interactive
questions for students to check their progress in the topic.
http://www.amsi.org.au/ESA_middle_years/Year7/Year7_md/Year7_1g.html
Which zeros matter?
This teaching resource provides teachers of years 5 and 6 with precise descriptions of the learning
objectives they should be seeking as students extend their knowledge of place value to order
decimal numbers and learn how to multiply and divide decimal numbers by powers of 10. Classroom
resources and activities are suggested to support students' learning and enhance their
understanding of place-value concepts. The role of zero in decimal representations is a focus. This
resource is from the collection of the Victorian Mathematics Developmental Continuum P-10
materials.
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/continuum/
Pages/zeros425.aspx
Videos:
Adding decimals
This is a video demonstration, with audio commentary, of the procedure of adding decimal fractions.
In the commentary, the presenter emphasises the links with the underpinning concepts of place
value. Practice questions, limited to addition of decimal fractions involving tenths and hundredths,
are presented with answers, hints and onscreen text explanations.
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/decimals/adding_decimals/v/adding-decimals
Subtracting decimals
This is a video demonstration, with audio commentary, of the procedure for pen-and-paper
subtraction of decimal fractions. In the commentary, the presenter emphasises the links with the
underpinning concepts of place value. Practice questions, limited to subtraction of decimal fractions
involving tenths and hundredths, are presented with answers, hints and onscreen text explanations.
https://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/resolve/view/M011495?accContentId=
The decimal place - part 1 of 2
This is a video clip in which a maths teacher explains and then demonstrates her approach to
teaching decimal place in her years 4-5 mathematics class, while two expert observers watch on. The
lesson has a large emphasis on group work and the use of visual materials to reinforce and
consolidate understanding, and to facilitate peer support for learning. The clip includes interviews
with the maths teacher, as well as the expert observers, about her teaching strategy and its benefits
and successes. This is part one in a series of two.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/S6398/index.html
The decimal place - part 2 of 2
This is a video clip in which a maths teacher and two expert observers review the teacher’s approach
to teaching decimal place in her years 4-5 mathematics class. There is footage of them viewing a
video taken of her lesson, and there is also footage of other teachers providing a brief explanation of
their approach to teaching decimal place, including the use of an interactive whiteboard by one
teacher. There is much discussion about the benefits of the teacher’s approach and its positive
impact on student learning. This is part two in a series of two.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/S6399/index.html
Rounding decimals
This is a six-page HTML resource about solving problems concerning rounding. It contains one video
and eight questions, four of which are interactive. The resource discusses and explains solving
problems with rounding of decimals to reinforce students' understanding.
http://www.amsi.org.au/ESA_Resources/Q3450/Q3450_1.html
Lesson Guides:
BBC Bitesize: decimals - revision
This is a set of information sheets dealing with decimal fraction place-value concepts and
calculations. A variety of calculations involving decimal fractions are presented and practice
questions, with answers, are provided. Students have access to a multiple-choice test to assess their
learning. This resource is one of a series of online resources from the BBC's Bitesize collection.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/maths/number/decimals/revision/1/
Decimals
This is a website designed for teachers and students in year 5, and addresses components of the
working with decimals topic. It is particularly relevant for comparison, addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division with decimals. There are pages for both teachers and students. The
student pages contain interactive questions for students to check their progress in the topic.
http://www.amsi.org.au/ESA_middle_years/Year6/Year6_md/Year6_1c.html
TIMES Module 18: Number and Algebra: decimals and percentages - teacher guide
This is a 21-page guide for teachers containing an introduction to decimals and percentages. It shows
how place value is extended to describe positive numbers less than one. It also explores how to
represent decimals on the number line, compare decimals, undertake the four basic arithmetic
operations with decimals and change vulgar fractions to decimals and vice versa. The notation of
percentages is introduced. A history of the development of decimals concludes the module.
http://www.amsi.org.au/teacher_modules/decimals_and_percentages.html
Understanding decimal numbers
This professional article focuses on the findings of a research study relating to students'
understanding of decimal notation. It describes the common misconceptions of students in years 410 relating to decimal numbers. The article gives readers practical advice in successful
implementation strategies to overcome these misconceptions. Teaching strategies suggested include
linear arithmetic blocks, number lines, number expanders and number slides.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/R12172/index.html
Teaching number: whole, decimal and fractional numbers
This is a digital resource book containing material to help teachers plan, implement and assess the
teaching and learning of number, specifically whole and decimal numbers, and fractional numbers.
As well as a diagnostic map and classroom planning sheet, this resource contains mathematics
outcomes, achievement levels, key understandings, and sample learning activities and lessons. This
resource is part of a series of seven called First steps in mathematics, which focus on identifying key
ideas for achieving mathematics outcomes.
http://det.wa.edu.au/stepsresources/detcms/navigation/first-steps-mathematics/
Fraction action - unit of work
In this unit of work students move from working with tenths, hundredths and thousandths to
relating common and decimal fractions and percentages.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/R11475/index.html
Ordering and comparing fractions - unit of work
In this unit of work students move from working with tenths, hundredths and thousandths to
relating common and decimal fractions and percentages.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/R11504/index.html