The third place to the right of the decimal point is called the thousandths place.
Understanding Decimal Place Values
In the decimal number system, each digit's position relative to the decimal point determines its value. Digits to the left of the decimal represent whole numbers, while digits to the right represent fractional parts, or values less than one. These fractional places are named systematically based on powers of ten.
- The first place immediately to the right of the decimal point is the tenths place. It represents fractions of 1/10.
- The second place to the right of the decimal point is the hundredths place. It represents fractions of 1/100.
- The third place to the right of the decimal point is the thousandths place. This position signifies that the value is divided by one thousand (1/1000). This naming convention accurately reflects that the number is derived by dividing by 1,000, making it the thousandths place.
Decimal Place Value Chart
To provide a clear overview of these positions, here is a table illustrating common decimal place values:
| Position Relative to Decimal | Place Name | Fractional Value | Example Digit in 0.12345 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st to the left | Ones | 1 | N/A |
| 1st to the right | Tenths | 1/10 | 1 |
| 2nd to the right | Hundredths | 1/100 | 2 |
| 3rd to the right | Thousandths | 1/1000 | 3 |
| 4th to the right | Ten-thousandths | 1/10,000 | 4 |
| 5th to the right | Hundred-thousandths | 1/100,000 | 5 |
Examples and Practical Insight
Let's look at how the thousandths place appears in numbers:
- In the number 0.453, the digit '3' is in the thousandths place. Its value is 3/1000.
- If you encounter a measurement like 12.009 meters, the '9' indicates nine thousandths of a meter.
- Consider a number like 7.1825:
- The '1' is in the tenths place.
- The '8' is in the hundredths place.
- The '2' is in the thousandths place.
- The '5' is in the ten-thousandths place.
Understanding decimal place values, especially the thousandths place, is essential for accuracy in mathematics, science, engineering, and daily life. It helps in precisely reading, writing, and comparing numbers, performing calculations, and interpreting data that requires fine-grained detail. For further learning, you can explore resources such as Decimal Place Value and Decimal Numbers.
