Ordering Decimals
Lesson
Topic Index | Grade 5 Math | Intermediate Test Prep | StudyZone



Decimals can be compared 
by using number lines
or
by creating the same number of digits 
after the decimal point. 

 


0         0.1         0.2         0.3        0.4         0.5         0.6        0.7        0.8        0.9         1.0

We can see that between the whole numbers 0 and 1 
there are decimal numbers.

These decimal numbers are in the "tenths" place value.

0.7 is greater than (>) 0.5

0.2 is less than (<) 0.3

 


0.1      0.01      0.02      0.03      0.04       0.05       0.06      0.07       0.08       0.09       0.2

On this number line
we see that what comes between 

the decimal numbers 0.1 and 0.2


These decimal numbers are in the "hundredths" place value.

0.03 0.05

0.08 0.07

You can compare decimals without a number line.

The easiest way to do this is to 
make sure that each number you are comparing 
has the SAME number of decimal places.

If the two numbers you are comparing 
DO NOT have the same number of decimals,
simply add on zeros (0) to make the place values the same number of digits.
(remember: adding on zeros will not change the value of your number.)

Example:

0.7   ___   0.53

Add on a zero (0) to the 0.7
so each number will have two (2) decimal places.

0.70  ___  0.53

.70 is greater than .53
so,
0.70   >   0.53
or
0.7     >   0.53

 

Upon further review:

Decimals can be compared by 
using a number line
or
determining greater than or less than 
by looking at place value.

Let's Practice

 
Topic Index | Grade 5 Math | Intermediate Test Prep | StudyZone

Created by Ed Fayette
Updated by Carol A. Carroll
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