Max Maths, Year 5, Learn together, Doubling and halving decimal numbers (2)

In the Max Maths curriculum for Year 5, students learn the concept of halving decimal numbers by applying their knowledge of halving whole numbers. The process is broken down into simple steps to ensure understanding. For instance, to halve the number 184, students are instructed to divide each place value separately: one hundred, eight tens, and four ones. This results in halving 100 to get 50, 80 to get 40, and 4 to get 2, which when combined gives the answer of 92. This method of breaking down the numbers into their constituent parts makes it easier for students to comprehend and apply the concept of halving to larger numbers.

Moving on to decimal numbers, the same principle is applied. When asked to halve 18.4, students halve the ten, which gives 5, the eight ones, which gives 4, and the four tenths, which gives two tenths. Combining these halved values, the students find that half of 18.4 is 9.2. Similarly, for the decimal number 1.84, halving each place value - one one, eight tenths, and four hundredths - results in half of 1.84 being 0.92. This step-by-step approach reinforces the students' understanding of place value and division, ensuring they can confidently halve numbers with decimal places.