Equivalent decimals of halves and quarters | Year 4 Mathematics PDF Download

Equivalent Decimals

Let's delve into understanding and writing equivalent decimals for halves and quarters.
When we think about describing halves, quarters, or three-quarters, we often use visual aids like pictures to assist us. For instance, consider the following examples:
The number line visuals below are also beneficial in representing halves and quarters:
Let's remember that three-quarters can be thought of as one quarter plus one quarter plus one quarter. In essence, three-quarters is equivalent to three times one quarter.

Understanding equivalences between fractions and decimals

Observe the number lines below and how different points on them are labeled.
Now compare the number lines above with the ones below - what do you notice?
By comparing the position of the colored bar on the three number lines, we can see that one half = five tenths = 0.5.
This shows that 0.5 is the decimal equivalent of a half.

Quarters and hundredths

Now look at the following number lines to see how we can represent quarters in both fraction and decimal form.
By comparing the position of the colored bar on the three number lines, we can see that one quarter = twenty-five hundredths = 0.25.
0.25 is the decimal equivalent of a quarter.
Next, examine this final set of number lines, paying close attention to the position of the colored line in each one. What does the other information on the number lines tell you?
Exactly! We can see that three quarters = seventy-five hundredths = 0.75.
0.75 is the decimal equivalent of three quarters.