How do you read decimals?

To read a decimal, say the number to the left of the decimal point as a whole number. Use the word "and" to indicate the decimal point. Read the number to the right of the decimal point as a whole number, ending with the place value of the last digit.

1. Say the number to the left of the decimal point as a whole number

   For example, if the number is 3489.721, read the number 3489 as a whole number indicating place value by saying "three thousand, four hundred, eighty-nine."

2. Use the word "and" to indicate the decimal point

   After reading the number to the left of the decimal point, say the word "and" as a bridge between the whole number on the left side and the decimal fraction on the right side.

3. Read the number on the right side as if it were a whole number

   In the example, 3489.721, read 721 as if it were a whole number with no decimal point by saying "seven hundred twenty-one."

4. End by indicating the place value of the last digit

   Finish saying the decimal by indicating the place value of the digit furthest to the right of the decimal point. In the example, 3489.721, the place value of the digit 1 is a thousandth. The whole decimal read aloud is "three thousand, four hundred, eighty-nine and seven hundred twenty-one thousandths."