MAB Blocks: Whole to Decimal
Understanding decimal numbers using MAB blocks Year 6 Mathematics From concrete to abstract number concepts
What Are MAB Blocks?
Multi-base Arithmetic Blocks Help us understand place value Come in different sizes: units, tens, hundreds Today: 100-block = 1 whole unit
Key Concept
When the 100-block equals 1 whole... The 10-rod equals 0.1 (one tenth) The unit cube equals 0.01 (one hundredth)
Hands-On Exploration
Take 1 hundred-block (this is 1 whole) Add 3 ten-rods (these are 3 tenths) Add 5 unit cubes (these are 5 hundredths) What decimal number have you made?
Whole Numbers vs Decimals
{"left":"Whole Numbers: 100-block = 100, 10-rod = 10, Unit cube = 1","right":"Decimal Numbers: 100-block = 1, 10-rod = 0.1, Unit cube = 0.01"}
Building Decimal Numbers
Start with whole units (100-blocks) Add tenths (10-rods) Add hundredths (unit cubes) Read the complete decimal number
Challenge Question
Using MAB blocks, how would you show the decimal number 2.47? Think about: How many 100-blocks? How many 10-rods? How many unit cubes?
Summary: MAB Blocks and Decimals
100-block = 1 whole unit 10-rod = 0.1 (one tenth) Unit cube = 0.01 (one hundredth) Decimals show parts of a whole MAB blocks make decimals concrete and visual