SME
Grade 5 Math · Problem type
Compare decimals
Use this for “Which is greater, 0.307 or 0.37?” with >, < or =.
Chart
First decimal
ones
0
.
tenths
3
hundredths
7
thousandths
0
Second decimal
ones
0
.
tenths
3
hundredths
0
thousandths
7
They first differ in the hundredths: 7 > 0, so 0.37 > 0.307.
Difference: 0.063
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
First decimal
Second decimal
Difference
worked out (not typed)
Formulas
sign > between 0.37 and 0.307
The sign between the two decimals
0.37 and 0.307 are 0.063 apart
Bigger − smaller = difference
Assumptions
•
Line up the points. Compare the biggest place first.
•
The same digit: move one place right and compare again.
•
A longer decimal is not always bigger: 0.37 > 0.307.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
First decimal: 0.37
Second decimal: 0.307
FIND
sign, difference
Step 1 · Find sign
sign ? between 0.37 and 0.307
The sign between the two decimals
Line up the points. Compare place by place, biggest place first.
Tenths: 3 and 3, the same
Hundredths: 7 > 0, so 0.37 > 0.307
c: >
Step 2 · Find difference
0.37 and 0.307 are ? apart
Bigger − smaller = difference
Take the smaller from the bigger.
Difference = 0.37 − 0.307
6
10
0
.
3
7
0
−
0
.
3
0
7
0
.
0
6
3
Difference = 0.063
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
0.37 > 0.307 ✓
0.37 − 0.307 = 0.063 ✓
Topic check
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