CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.3a

Math5th GradeUnderstand the place value system.

The standard

Read and write decimals to thousandths using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form, e.g., 347.392 = 3 × 100 + 4 × 10 + 7 × 1 + 3 × (1/10) + 9 × (1/100) + 2 × (1/1000).

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

What this standard means

Students need to read and write decimals through thousandths in three forms: standard form, word form, and expanded form. They should know what each digit is worth, including tenths, hundredths, and thousandths, and connect the decimal point to place value.

Mastery looks like moving between forms without guessing. Students can explain that 4.206 means 4 ones, 2 tenths, 0 hundredths, and 6 thousandths. Common trouble spots are reading 0.045 as forty-five tenths, skipping zeroes in word form, and writing expanded form with digits instead of values.

Ways to teach it

  • Have students build decimal numbers with place-value disks or grids, then record each number in standard, word, and expanded form.
  • Ask students to explain why 0.304 is not the same as 0.34 using words, a model, and expanded form.
  • Show 6.072 and have students write it in word form and expanded form on an exit ticket.
  • Use grocery prices or race times to have students read decimals aloud and identify the value of each digit.

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Related standards

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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