Decimal Numbers

Comparing & Ordering Decimal Numbers

Place Value

Comparing Decimal Numbers

Step 1 - put the numbers in columns and make sure the decimal points are in line.

Step 2 - compare the digits starting from the left.

Example:

Compare 0.48 and 0.467 to see which is bigger.

Line up the numbers with the digits in columns

Read the digits starting from the left:

Both numbers have no units so you look at the tenths.

Both numbers have 4 tenths so you look at the hundredths.

0.48 has 8 hundredths and 0.467 has 6 hundredths so 0.48 is bigger.
 

Ordering Decimal Numbers

Step 1 - put all the numbers in columns with the decimal points lined up.

Step 2 - compare the digits starting from the left.

Step 3 - if you have a long list of numbers to compare, cross off each number as you go so you don't miss any out.

Example

Put the following numbers in order from biggest to smallest:

Line up the numbers with the digits in column

Compare the numbers starting from the left and cross them off as you go

From biggest to smallest the numbers are: