Put decimal numbers in order

key notes:

1. Understanding Decimal Numbers:

• A decimal number has two parts: the whole number part and the fractional part, separated by a decimal point.
• For example, in 3.56, 3 is the whole number, and .56 is the fractional part.

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2. Comparing Decimal Numbers:

• To compare decimal numbers, first compare the digits in the whole number part. If they are the same, move to the digits after the decimal point.
• Example: Compare 4.5 and 4.75.
  • Both have the same whole number (4), so compare the decimal parts: 5 and 75.
  • Since 5 is smaller than 75, 4.5 < 4.75.

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3. Order Decimal Numbers from Smallest to Largest:

• Write the decimal numbers in a column aligned by the decimal point.
• Start by comparing the whole number part.
• If the whole numbers are the same, compare the digits after the decimal point, moving from left to right.
• Example: Order the following decimal numbers from smallest to largest: 3.2, 3.12, 3.08.
  • First compare the whole numbers: all are 3.
  • Then compare the tenths: 2, 1, and 0.
  • The order is 3.08, 3.12, 3.2.

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4. Using Place Value to Compare:

• To compare decimal numbers accurately, focus on each place value starting from the tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.
• Example: Compare 5.456 and 5.54.
  • First compare the whole numbers: both are 5.
  • Then compare the tenths: both have 4.
  • Compare the hundredths: 5 and 5 are equal.
  • Finally, compare the thousandths: 6 and 0.
  • Therefore, 5.456 < 5.54.

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5. Practice Ordering Decimal Numbers:

• When given a list of decimal numbers, order them by comparing the whole number part first, then the decimal part.
• Example: Arrange 6.82, 6.8, 6.87 in order:
  • The whole number part is the same (6).
  • The decimal parts: 82, 8, 87.
  • Order: 6.8, 6.82, 6.87.

Learn with an example

let’s practice: