Math Expressions Grade 4, Unit 7: Fractions and Decimals
In this unit, your child connects fractions to decimals, renaming tenths as hundredths, writing fractions like 47/100 as 0.47, and comparing decimals by thinking about their size. Money and hundredths grids help make tenths and hundredths concrete. It builds on the fraction concepts before it and leads into a unit on geometry.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 7?
- Rewriting tenths as hundredths, as in 4/10 = 40/100, so they can add fractions like 4/10 + 35/100. Learn more: Adding tenths and hundredths together
- Writing fractions with denominators of 10 and 100 as decimals, such as 47/100 = 0.47, and reading them as forty-seven hundredths. Learn more: Writing fractions as decimals, like 0.62
- Comparing two decimals to the hundredths, like 0.3 and 0.25, by thinking about their size, and recording the result with >, <, or =. Learn more: Comparing decimals like 0.09 and 0.1
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
How many hundredths make the same amount as 1/10?
- 1
- 10
- 100
How you can help
- Use dollars and cents: ask your child to write $0.47 as a fraction of a dollar, then to show it as 4 dimes and 7 pennies, or tenths and hundredths.
- Compare prices at the store that differ in cents, such as $1.30 and $1.25, and ask which is more and how the tenths place tells them.
- Draw a 10-by-10 grid on scrap paper, color 3 columns and 4 extra squares, and ask your child to write the amount as a fraction and a decimal.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking a decimal with more digits is bigger, so 0.25 seems greater than 0.3.
- Renaming 3/10 as 3/100, changing the denominator to 100 without multiplying the numerator by 10.
- Reading 0.62 as "point sixty-two" without knowing it means sixty-two hundredths.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- decimal
- A number written with a decimal point to show tenths and hundredths, such as 0.45.
- decimal point
- The dot that separates whole numbers from tenths and hundredths.
- tenth
- One of 10 equal parts of a whole, written 1/10 or 0.1.
- hundredth
- One of 100 equal parts of a whole, written 1/100 or 0.01.
- tenths place
- The first place to the right of the decimal point.
- hundredths place
- The second place to the right of the decimal point.
- equivalent fractions
- Fractions that name the same amount, such as 3/4 and 6/8.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with tenths and hundredths?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Math Expressions Grade 4 Unit 7 cover?
Math Expressions Grade 4 Unit 7 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.