Recording Decimal Comparisons
This Grade 4 Eureka Math skill teaches students to record decimal comparisons using the symbols less than, greater than, and equal to. For example, since 0.5 is less than 0.8, students write 0.5 < 0.8; since 2.7 is greater than 2.17, they write 2.7 > 2.17; and since 0.4 equals 0.40 (trailing zero does not change value), they write 0.4 = 0.40. This recording skill from Chapter 31 of Eureka Math Grade 4 formalizes decimal comparison results and builds precision in mathematical communication.
Key Concepts
To record the result of a comparison between two numbers, $a$ and $b$, we use the following symbols: $a < b$ means "$a$ is less than $b$". $a b$ means "$a$ is greater than $b$". $a = b$ means "$a$ is equal to $b$".
Common Questions
How do you record a comparison between 0.5 and 0.8?
0.5 is less than 0.8, so write: 0.5 < 0.8.
How do you record a comparison between 2.7 and 2.17?
2.7 = 2.70, which is greater than 2.17. Write: 2.7 > 2.17. The 7 in the tenths place (worth 0.7) is greater than the 1 in the tenths place (worth 0.1).
Is 0.4 equal to 0.40?
Yes. Adding a trailing zero after the last decimal digit does not change the value. 0.4 = 0.40, recorded as 0.4 = 0.40.
What do the three comparison symbols mean?
Less than (<) means the left number is smaller. Greater than (>) means the left number is larger. Equal to (=) means both numbers have the same value.
How do you compare two decimals before recording?
Align the decimal points and compare place by place from left to right. The first place where the digits differ determines the comparison.