Comparing Decimals

Comparing Decimals

When comparing decimals, students must understand greater than and less than.  Sometimes a number line can help.

Reading Symbols

< - is less than

> - is greater than

= - is equal to

0.5  ____ 0.7

0.5   <   0.7

0.5 is less than 0.7

Steps

1. Line up the decimals.

2. Fill in any missing digits with 0s.

3. Compare starting with the LARGEST place value on the left.

Examples

1.34 _____ 10.3

Step 1:

  1.34

10.3

Step 2:

01.34

10.30

Step 3:

01.34

10.30

1.34 < 10.3