Arctic maths quest: decimals
A story-led junior maths adventure using ice maps, temperature and survival supplies to measure small distances, money and scores with tenths and hundredths.
Quick answer
Decimals are numbers that are smaller than one, like 0.5 or 0.25. In the Arctic maths quest, you will use decimals to measure small distances, count money, and track temperature changes – all while helping your team survive the cold.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use decimals (tenths and hundredths) to measure, count, and compare small amounts in real-life Arctic situations.
- You can read and write decimals like 0.3 or 0.75
- You can use decimals to measure small distances or temperatures
- You can compare decimals using symbols like < and >
- You can solve simple Arctic maths problems using decimals
Why this matters
Decimals are everywhere – in the real world, in games, and in your daily life. In the Arctic, where the cold is measured in tenths of degrees, or where supplies are shared in small portions, decimals help you be precise. Whether you’re calculating how much food to eat, how far you've walked, or how cold it is, decimals help you make accurate decisions. This skill will help you in science, cooking, and even games where scores are given in parts.
How it works
Decimals are numbers that are smaller than one. They are written with a decimal point (like 0.5 or 0.25). The digits after the decimal point show how many parts of a whole you have.
- One whole is like one ice block.
- One tenth is one part out of ten equal parts of that ice block (like 0.1).
- One hundredth is one part out of a hundred equal parts (like 0.01).
- For example, if you have 0.7 of an ice block, you have 7 parts out of 10.
- If you have 0.35 of an ice block, you have 35 parts out of 100.
Examples you can see
Imagine you are on an Arctic expedition and you need to measure how far you've walked. You might walk 0.6 km or 0.25 km. Let’s look at some examples:
| Decimal | What it means | Real-life example |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Half of a whole | Half a kilogram of food |
| 0.25 | One quarter of a whole | Quarter of a temperature drop |
| 0.1 | One tenth of a whole | One tenth of a litre of water |
| 0.75 | Three quarters of a whole | Three quarters of a supply box |
Let’s think about temperature. If the temperature drops from 0°C to -0.5°C, it means it got half a degree colder. If it drops to -0.25°C, it got a quarter of a degree colder.
Try it as a mini adventure
Join the Arctic maths quest! You and your team are on a survival mission. You must collect supplies, measure the temperature, and count how much food you have. Here’s your mission:
- Find a map with distances in decimals (like 0.3 km or 0.6 km).
- Measure how far you walk using a ruler or tape measure, and write the distance in decimals.
- Count your food supplies – if you have 0.75 of a box, how much is that?
- Record the temperature changes using decimals – if it goes from 0°C to -0.25°C, how cold is it now?
- Compare how much food you have with your friend – who has more, 0.4 or 0.6?
Every step helps you learn how decimals work in the real world. You’re not just counting – you’re surviving with maths!
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 0.5 is bigger than 0.25 because 5 is bigger than 2. Why it happens: Looking at the first digit only, not the whole decimal. Fix: Remember that 0.25 means 25 parts out of 100, which is less than 50 parts out of 100 (0.5).
- Mistake: Writing 0.3 as 3 instead of 0.3. Why it happens: Forgetting the decimal point. Fix: Always remember that 0.3 means three tenths, not just 3 whole ones.
- Mistake: Adding 0.2 + 0.3 and getting 0.5. Why it happens: Not realising that 0.2 + 0.3 = 0.5 is correct, but thinking it’s wrong. Fix: Practice with visual aids like blocks or number lines to check your work.
Parent and carer guide
Help your child by:
- Using everyday examples like measuring ingredients or money to show decimals.
- Playing decimal games like “Decimal Race” where you roll dice to make decimals and compare them.
- Using a number line to show how 0.4 is closer to 0.5 than 0.2.
- Practising writing decimals in words (like “zero point seven five”).
- Noticing when your child makes mistakes and gently guiding them to the correct answer.
Remember: It’s okay to make mistakes. Decimals can be tricky, but with practice, they become easier!
Practice questions
- What is 0.3 + 0.4? Answer: 0.7
- Which is bigger: 0.6 or 0.25? Answer: 0.6
- Write 0.8 as a fraction. Answer: 8/10
- How much is 0.25 of a kilogram? Answer: 250 grams
- Compare 0.1 and 0.09 using < or >. Answer: 0.1 > 0.09
FAQ
What is a decimal?
A decimal is a number that shows part of a whole. It has a decimal point and digits that show tenths, hundredths, or smaller parts.
How are decimals used in real life?
Decimals are used in money (like £2.50), temperature (like -0.5°C), and measuring distances (like 0.75 km).
Why do we need decimals?
Decimals help us be precise. When you measure something small, like a piece of ice or a tiny amount of food, decimals help you be exact.
How can I practice decimals at home?
You can practice by measuring things, counting coins, or playing games with decimal numbers. Try asking, “What part of the pizza did I eat?” or “How much water is left?”
Can decimals be more than 1?
Yes! Decimals can be more than 1. For example, 1.5 means 1 whole and 5 tenths. But in this Arctic quest, we’re focusing on decimals less than 1.