Comparing Decimals
Ages 8–12Difficulty adapts to you
Comparing Decimals
To compare decimals, line up the decimal points and compare digit by digit from left to right. Add zeros if needed to make them the same length.
Your goals
- ✓You can compare and order decimal numbers.
- ✓You can use equivalent decimals, place value correctly.
- ✓You can line up decimal points and compare from the greatest place value.
Words to know
- equivalent decimals:
- Decimals with the same value, such as 0.5 and 0.50.
- place value:
- The value of a digit because of its position.
Examples
- 10.45 vs 0.5 → 0.45 vs 0.50 → 45 hundredths vs 50 hundredths → 0.5 is bigger.
- 21.23 < 1.32 (compare the tenths digit: 2 < 3)
Check these
- • Do not compare decimals as if they were whole numbers.
- • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
- • Show enough working to check how you reached your answer.
Helpful habits
- • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
- • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
- • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.
Now try your own
Create your own comparing decimals example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.
Professor Wise Owl
Wisdom & Understanding“Take your time — wisdom comes from understanding, not rushing!”