Identify the greater or lesser of two decimals
Objectives
Student will be able to:
compare decimals to determine which has a greater or lesser value.
arrange decimals with place values aligned vertically.
use the symbols for equals, greater than and less than correctly in a number sentence.
Introduction
Human hair grows an average of 0.33 inch a month. Our nails grow about 0.12 inch a month. Which grows faster?
To solve, compare the two decimals to find which is greater.
Remember:
The symbol < means
is less than
.
The symbol > means
is greater than
.
The symbol = means
is equal to
.
STEP 1
: Line up the digits by place value.
0. 3 3
0. 1 2
STEP 2
: Start at the left. Compare the digits until they are different.
0. 3
3
0. 1
2
Both decimals have
0
ones.
The tenths are different.
STEP 3
: Compare the different digits.
Hair grows faster than nails.
Harry has a batting average of 0.420, while George has a batting average of 0.403. Which of the baseball players has a higher batting average?
To solve, compare the two decimals to find which is greater.
STEP 1
: Line up the digits by place value.
0. 4 2 0
0. 4 0 3
STEP 2
: Start at the left. Compare the digits until they are different.
0. 4
2 0
0. 4
0 3
Both decimals have
0
ones.
Both have
4
tenths.
The hundredths are different.
STEP 3
: Compare the different digits.
Harry has a better batting average than George.
Examples
1.
Compare 0.93 and 0.98.
STEP 1
: Line up the digits in each place value.
0. 9 3
0. 9 8
STEP 2
: Start at the left. Compare the digits until they are different.
0. 9
3
0. 9
8
Both decimals have
0
ones.
Both decimals have
9
tenths.
The hundredths are different.
STEP 3
: Compare the different digits.
0.93 is less than 0.98.
2.
Compare 0.57 and 0.5.
STEP 1
: Line up the digits by place value.
0. 5 7
0. 5
STEP 2
: Use a zero for a place marker. Start at the left. Compare the digits until they are different.
0. 5
7
0. 5
0
Both decimals have
0
ones.
Both decimals have
5
tenths.
The hundredths are different.
Compare the different digits.
.
0.57 is greater than 0.5.
Try Together
Complete the exercises. Show all work.
1.
Compare 0.02 and 0.02.
Check student's work.
2.
Compare 0.69 and 0.9.
Check student's work.
Please evaluate the student's answers:
Excellent
Good
Okay