Lesson 3: Compare Decimals

Property

To compare decimals using an area model, represent each decimal by shading a portion of identical wholes (e.g., 10x10 grids). The decimal corresponding to the larger shaded area is the greater number.

Examples

Property

On a number line, the value of a number increases as you move from left to right. For any two decimals $a$ and $b$:

• If decimal $a$ is to the right of decimal $b$, then $a > b$.
• If decimal $a$ is to the left of decimal $b$, then $a < b$.

Examples

Property

To compare decimals, rewrite them so they have the same number of decimal places (like units) by adding trailing zeros. This does not change the decimal's value. Once in like units, compare the numbers as if they were whole numbers.

Examples