In other words, the value of a place is one-tenth of the value of the next place on its left. We know that each place in the place value table has a value ten times the value of the next place on its right. Before we learn what we mean by a tenth of decimal it is important to recall the place value system of decimals that defines the position of a tenth in a decimal number. In algebra, a decimal number can be defined as a number whose complete part and the fractional part are separated by a decimal point. The word decimal comes from the Latin word “Decem” meaning 10.

Representation of tenths of a decimal on a Number Line.

Reading the Decimal Numbers using the Place Value System.

“Tenth of December” is a beautiful, hopeful story, and is the perfect ending to Saunders’ short story collection. At the end of the story, Eber is prevented from committing suicide, and realizes that he was being “cruel” and “selfish” by attempting to do so.

It is also an example of how we do not have to become our parents if we do not wish to. This short story is a perfect example of how our upbringing and parents can dictate our personality and decisions. He believes that a father is someone who “eases the burdens of those he loves,” and feels that by committing suicide, he is preventing himself from being “THAT.” So much so that he decides to commit suicide. Years later, Eber develops cancer, and is terrified of becoming like Allen. Still, regardless of all of this, Eber loves Allen. Allen was very encouraging of Eber’s ambitions, and Eber describes Allen as the “kindest man ever.” Then, Allen became ill, and began to change into “THAT.” He was verbally abusive to Eber and his mother, despite both of them trying to help him through his illness.

At first, Allen and Eber’s relationship was healthy. After Eber’s biological father abandoned him, his mother remarried to Allen. On the other side of the coin is Eber and Allen. They are both achieving mutual recognition, and are extremely loving towards each other.

using a stapler).ĭespite this sheltering, their relationship is extremely healthy. In a way, mother and child are sheltering each other: Robin is sheltering his mother from seeing how horribly he is being treated, while Robin’s mother is attempting to shelter him from “dangerous situations” (e.g. Though this bullying is sometimes based upon his “manner of speaking,” it is also due to his mother’s “style faux pas.” Robin’s mother has no idea of this bullying, and Robin prefers to keep it like this. In school, Robin is often bullied, and is constantly teased. Robin describes his mother as a “good egg” who’s always been there for him, and is occasionally overprotective. Robin is an imaginative young boy conjures up wild stories of “Netherworlders,” and heroism. On one side of the coin is Robin and his mother. Within George Saunders’ short story, “Tenth of December,” contrasting parent-child relationships are depicted.

Tenth of dec