Decimal place value (age 8+)
Compare numbers with the same number of decimal places up to two decimal places
What a learner can do afterwards
- Order 0.45, 0.54, 0.39 from smallest to largest
- Compare 3.72 and 3.27 using place-value reasoning
- Place three two-decimal-place numbers on a number line in order
The lesson
You already know that a decimal has ones, tenths, and hundredths. When two decimals have the same number of decimal places, compare them one place at a time, starting from the left. Look at the tenths digit first. Whichever number has the bigger tenths digit is the bigger number, no matter what the hundredths digit is.
Compare 3.72 and 3.27. Both start with a 3, so look at the tenths digit next: 3.72 has a 7, and 3.27 has a 2. Seven tenths is more than two tenths, so 3.72 is bigger. You do not even need to check the hundredths digit.
Two prices: £4.75 and £4.57. Compare the digit right after the decimal point: 7 in £4.75, and 5 in £4.57. £4.75 costs more, even though both prices use a 5 and a 7.
When two decimals have the same number of decimal places, line up the digits. Compare tenths first. Only look at the hundredths digit if the tenths digits match.
Same number of decimal places: compare tenths first, and only check hundredths if the tenths digits are tied.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.