A decimal is a fraction written in a special form. In this blog post, you will learn more about decimals and how to compare two decimals.
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Step by step guide to compare decimals
A decimal is a fraction written in a special form. For example, instead of writing \(\frac{1}{2}\) you can write \(0.5\).
For comparing decimals:
- Compare each digit of two decimals in the same place value.
- Start from left. Compare hundreds, tens, ones, tenth, hundredth, etc.
- To compare numbers, use these symbols: Equal to \(=\), Less than \(<\), Greater than \(>\) Greater than or equal \(\geq\), Less than or equal \(\leq\)
Compare Decimals – Example 1:
Compare \(0.40\) and \(0.04\).
Solution:
\(0.40\) is greater than \(0.04\), because the tenth place of \(0.40\) is \(4\), but the tenth place of \(0.04\) is zero. Then: \(0.40 \ > \ 0.04 \)
Compare Decimals – Example 2:
Compare \(0.0912\) and \(0.912\).
Solution:
\(0.912\) is greater than \(0.0912\), because the tenth place of \(0.912\) is \(9\), but the tenth place of \(0.0912\) is zero. Then: \(0.0912 \ < \ 0.912 \)
Compare Decimals – Example 3:
Compare \(0.20\) and \(0.02\).
Solution:
\(0.20\) is greater than \(0.02\), because the tenth place of \(0.20\) is \(2\), but the tenth place of \(0.02\) is zero. Then: \(0.20>0.02 \)
Compare Decimals – Example 4:
Compare \(0.0210\) and \(0.110\).
Solution:
\(0.110\) is greater than \(0.0210\), because the tenth place of \(0.110\) is \(1\), but the tenth place of \(0.0210\) is zero. Then: \(0.0210<0.110\)
Exercises for comparing decimals
Write the correct comparison symbol (>, < or =).
- \(\color{blue}{1.25 \ \ \ \ 2.3}\)
- \(\color{blue}{0.5 \ \ \ \ 0.23}\)
- \(\color{blue}{3.20 \ \ \ \ 3.2}\)
- \(\color{blue}{4.58 \ \ \ \ 45.8}\)
- \(\color{blue}{2.75 \ \ \ \ 0.275}\)
- \(\color{blue}{5.2 \ \ \ \ 5}\)
Download Comparing Decimals Worksheet
- \(\color{blue}{1.25 < 2.3}\)
- \(\color{blue}{0.5 > 0.23}\)
- \(\color{blue}{3.20 = 3.2}\)
- \(\color{blue}{4.58 < 45.8}\)
- \(\color{blue}{2.75 > 0.275}\)
- \(\color{blue}{5.2 > 5}\)
