Meaning & use
tenths
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“tenths” is a form of “tenth”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounpluralmathematics
The first position to the right of the decimal point, showing how many parts out of ten there are.
Grammar: Usually used in the plural when talking about the place value: 'the tenths place' or 'to the nearest tenths' (though 'tenth' is used for the column itself).
Patterns
- the tenths place
- to the nearest tenths
- three tenths
In the number 3.7, the 7 is in the tenths place.
Write 0.4 as four tenths.
The measurement was rounded to the nearest tenths.
nounpluralmathematics
One of ten equal parts of something.
Grammar: Used when counting parts: 'two tenths of the total'. The singular 'tenth' is used before a noun: 'a tenth part'.
Patterns
- a tenth of something
- three tenths of something
Three tenths of the students voted yes.
She gave away a tenth of her earnings.
The recipe calls for two tenths of a cup of oil.
Word forms
| singular | tenth |
|---|
Common combinations
- tenths place
- The digit 5 is in the tenths place.
- to the nearest tenths
- Round the answer to the nearest tenths.
- three tenths
- Three tenths of the land is covered by water.
- a tenth of
- A tenth of the population lives in the capital.
Word family
Commonly confused: tenths or tens?
tenths vs tens
Refers to the place value two steps to the left of the decimal point (e.g., the 2 in 20), not the first place to the right.
Practice
In the decimal 8.3, which digit is in the tenths place?
Choose one answer.
The tenths place is the first digit after the decimal point, so in 8.3 the digit 3 is in the tenths place. The 8 is in the ones place, and 0 is not part of this number.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “tenths”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.