When comparing and ordering decimals it is much easier when you rewrite the numbers LINING UP the decimals just like when you add and subtract decimals.
Don't forget to add the extra zeroes so that the numbers are the same length.
For example, is the number 3.27 bigger or smaller than 3.4?
FIRST...Rewrite the numbers lining up the decimals.
NEXT...Don't forget to add the zero.
NOW... Compare each unit vertically. So 3.4 is greater than 3.27.
Example
Put these numbers in size order, smallest to largest.
15.23, 15.7, 15.652..
1
| 5
| .
| 2
| 3
| 0
|
1
| 5
| .
| 7
| 0
| 0
|
1
| 5
| .
| 6
| 5
| 2
|
- Rewrite lining up the decimal points
- Add zeroes to make each number the same length
- Compare the numbers vertically
15.230 is fifteen and two hundred and thirty thousandths
15.700 is fifteen and seven hundred thousandths
15.652 is fifteen and six hundred and fifty two thousandths
So the correct order is 15.23, 15.652, 15.7
