Ordering Decimals
Interpret, compare and order numbers with more than 2 decimal places, including numbers greater than one, using place value understanding; represent these on a number line.
Read this first
Line up the decimal points. Then compare one column at a time.
0.4 is bigger than 0.25. More tenths wins.
Words you need
- Tenths
- The first column after the point.
- Hundredths
- The second column after the point.
- Thousandths
- The third column after the point.
Worked example
e.g. Which is bigger: 0.25 or 0.4?
- Give both the same number of places. Add a zero.
- Now compare 0.25 and 0.40.
- Look at the tenths first. 2 tenths against 4 tenths.
- 4 tenths is more. So 0.4 is bigger.
A longer decimal is not always a bigger one.
Practice
The pictures fade as you go. By the last few you are on your own.
1Which is bigger: 0.7 or 0.68?with a picture
Answer0.7. Seven tenths beats six tenths.
2Which is bigger: 1.05 or 1.5?with a picture
Answer1.5.
3Order smallest first: 2.3 and 2.03 and 2.33with a hint
Need a hint?
Add zeros so all have two places.
Answer2.03 then 2.3 then 2.33.
4What is the value of the 6 in 3,456?with a hint
Need a hint?
Count the columns after the point.
Answer6 thousandths.
5Write a decimal between 0.3 and 0.4.on your own
Answer0.35 works.
6Which is bigger: 5.09 or 5.1?on your own
Answer5.1.
7Order smallest first: 0.8 and 0.08 and 0.88on your own
Answer0.08 then 0.8 then 0.88.
Think about it
1
Why does adding a zero not change the value?
One good answerIt fills an empty column. It adds nothing.
2
Why is 0.5 bigger than 0.45?
One good answerFive tenths beats four tenths. The rest does not matter.
Common mistakes
Thinking more digits means a bigger number.
Compare the tenths first, not the length.
Ignoring the whole number part.
Check the whole numbers before the decimals.