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This section presents the Decimal Comparison Test, a 30 item test taking only 10 minutes for a class, which provides a deep insight into how individual students interpret decimal notation. Students can then be matched up with the case studies to identify appropriate teaching activities.

Seven other tests are also given - two for further identification of decimal misconceptions and five tests of basic skills. Many other difficulties with decimal arithmetic stem from misunderstanding the meaning of decimal notation, so it is important to teach it well.

Contents of this section
	Decimal misconceptions described Detailed descriptions of how different children interpret decimals. This is needed to interpret test results.
	Incidence of misconceptions: Grades 5 to 10 Information about how common various errors are and how they change through schooling from recent research on over 3000 students.
	Using the Decimal Comparison Tests Photocopy masters and marking guides for Full, Quick and Zero tests.
	Other items to try with your students Items on many decimal-related concepts from international research, with results to compare your students against.
	Short tests to check on the basics Skill Test 1 - Decimal Numeration Skill Test 2 - Decimal Addition and Subtraction Skill Test 3 - Decimal Multiplication and Division Skill Test 4 - Rounding and Place Value Skill Test 5 - Unit Conversion Click here to read about teaching decimal operations.