Ordering Decimals
Maths: KS3, topic 1.1.2
Ordering Decimals
Learn how to order decimals by comparing place value columns from left to right.
Use place value columns
Line up the decimal points
Compare the ones column first
If the ones digits are the same, compare the tenths column
If the tenths digits are the same, compare the hundredths column
This helps compare decimals one column at a time
Compare tenths
If the ones digits are the same, compare the tenths digits
For example, 2.3 and 2.7 both have 2 ones
Compare 3 tenths and 7 tenths
So, 2.3 < 2.7
Compare hundredths
If the ones and tenths digits are the same, compare the hundredths digits
For example, 4.25 and 4.28 both have 4 ones and 2 tenths
Compare 5 hundredths and 8 hundredths
So, 4.25 < 4.28
Add zeros to compare
Decimals can be written with extra zeros at the end without changing their value
- For example, 3.4 = 3.40
This can make it easier to compare decimals with different numbers of decimal places