Comparing Decimals

1. Comparing Decimals And Equivalent Decimals

2. Equivalent Decimals • 034 is the same as 34. • The zero in the hundreds place isn't necessary. • The number still has no hundredths, 3 tens and 4 ones. • 1.5 is the same as 1.50 • The zero at the end is not necessary, but helps in calculations. • The number still has 1 one, 5 tenths, and no hundredths.

3. Zeros • You may add as many zeros left of digits that are before a decimal. • You may also add as many zeros as you want right of the digits after the decimal. • 000032.456000 = 032.456 = 32.456 = 32.4560000 These all have 3 tens,, 2 ones, 4 tenths, 5 hundredths and 6 thousandths.

4. “Polite zero” • 0.42 is the same as .42, • however if there is no whole part (ones, tens, etc..) in a number • a single zero in front of the decimal is proper.

5. Comparing or Ordering • 1) Line up the decimal2) Fill in zerosThese steps insure tenths will be compared to tenths, hundredths to hundredths, thousandths to thousandths and so on.

6. Example: • Put these numbers in order from the largest to the smallest.0.32, 0.203, 0.03, 0.3

7. Greater Than and Less Than • The symbol < is read “less than” • 5<12 Five is less than twelve. • The symbol > is read “greater than.” • 295 > 34 two hundred ninety five is greater than thirty four.

8. Alligator • “The alligator turns to eat the bigger number” is an easy way to remember which way to write the symbol.