To compare decimals, line up the decimal points. Compare the wholes first, then the tenths, then the hundredths.
Be careful: more digits does not mean bigger. 0.4 is greater than 0.38, because 4 tenths is more than 3 tenths. It helps to write 0.4 as 0.40, so both have two places: 40 hundredths is more than 38 hundredths.
To order several decimals, compare them two at a time, or place them on a number line from smallest to largest.
Worked example
Which is greater: 0.7 or 0.65?
- Write 0.7 as 0.70.
- 70 hundredths is more than 65 hundredths.
Answer:0.7
Key words
- compare
- decide which is greater
- place holder zero
- a zero added to keep places lined up
- decimal place
- a position after the point
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 4.NF.C.7