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 $\dfrac{1}{10}$ .

Example 1

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

Maths; Fractions; KS2 Year 3; Counting in tenths

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.