Counting in tenths

In a nutshell

A tenth represents the value of the digit to the right hand side of the decimal point.  A tenth also represents one part of a whole split into ten equal parts.  One tenth can be written as a fraction in the form of $$\dfrac{1}{10}$$ .

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Example 1

Measurements can be split into $$10$$​ equal pieces called tenths.  A centimetre is split into $$10$$​ equal parts called millimetres.

One millimetre is one tenth, or $$\dfrac{1}{10}$$ of a centimetre.

Counting in tenths

Count up in tenths by increasing the number on the top of the fraction. The number on the bottom of the fraction should always be $$10$$. Fractions greater than one whole can be written as mixed numbers, such as $$1\dfrac{1}{10}$$, or improper (top-heavy) fractions, such as $$\dfrac{11}{10}$$​.

Example 2

Count up in tenths. Write your answers as mixed numbers where required.

​​$$\dfrac{8}{10},$$     $$\dfrac{9}{10},$$     $$1,$$     $$1\dfrac{1}{10},$$     $$1\dfrac{2}{10}$$​

Count up in tenths.  Write your answers as improper fractions where required.

​$$\dfrac{8}{10},$$​     ​$$\dfrac{9}{10},$$​     $$\dfrac{10}{10},$$​     $$\dfrac{11}{10},$$​     $$\dfrac{12}{10}$$​​

Tip: If you are asked to count down in tenths, you will need to decrease the number on the top of the fraction instead.