Zearn Math Grade 4, Mission 6: Decimal Fractions
In this unit, your child sees decimals as another way to write fractions with denominators of 10 and 100. They rename tenths as hundredths, write and compare decimals, and use decimals to solve problems with money and measurement. It follows the fraction unit and leads into a final unit on measurement.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 6?
- Adding tenths and hundredths by renaming first, such as 3/10 + 4/100 = 30/100 + 4/100 = 34/100. Learn more: Adding tenths and hundredths together
- Writing decimal fractions in decimal notation, like 0.6 and 0.06, and showing them on number lines and grids. Learn more: Writing fractions as decimals, like 0.62
- Comparing decimals like 0.09 and 0.1 by their size, using place value, grids, and number lines. Learn more: Comparing decimals like 0.09 and 0.1
- Solving word problems with money and metric lengths written as decimals, such as adding $2.35 and $1.40. Learn more: Story problems about distance, time, and money
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
- Show amounts with coins if you have them: ask your child to make $0.60 and then $0.06, and to explain why the zero matters.
- Compare prices at the store, such as $2.09 and $2.10, and ask your child which is greater and which digit told them.
- Measure things with a tape measure in centimeters, and have your child write each length as a decimal part of a meter, like 45 centimeters as 0.45 meter.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing 6/100 as 0.6 instead of 0.06, leaving out the zero that holds the tenths place.
- Thinking 0.50 is more than 0.5 because it has more digits, rather than seeing both as five tenths.
- Thinking 0.09 is greater than 0.1 because 9 is greater than 1.
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 fraction
- A fraction with a denominator of 10 or 100, which can be written as a decimal.
- 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
- Having the same value, as 0.5 and 0.50 do.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with decimal fractions?
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 Zearn Math Grade 4 Mission 6 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 4 Mission 6 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.