SME
Grade 4 Math · Problem type
Compare decimals
Use this for “Which is less, 0.4 or 0.35?” by writing both as hundredths.
Chart
First decimal
ones
0
.
tenths
4
hundredths
0
Second decimal
ones
0
.
tenths
3
hundredths
5
They first differ in the tenths: 4 > 3, so 0.4 > 0.35.
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
First decimal
Second decimal
First as hundredths
calculated
Second as hundredths
calculated
Hundredths apart
calculated
Formulas
0.4
=
40
100
First decimal, in hundredths = first as hundredths
0.35
=
35
100
Second decimal, in hundredths = second as hundredths
40 and 35 are 5 apart
Bigger hundredths − smaller hundredths = hundredths apart
sign > between 40 and 35
The sign between the two decimals
Assumptions
•
Write both decimals as hundredths: 0.4 is 40 hundredths, 0.35 is 35 hundredths.
•
Then compare the hundredths like whole numbers: 8.28 is 828 hundredths.
•
The chart lines the places up and marks the first place where they differ.
•
Decimals from 0 to 99.99.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
First decimal: 0.4
Second decimal: 0.35
FIND
first as hundredths, second as hundredths, hundredths apart, sign
Step 1 · Find first as hundredths
0.4
=
?
100
First decimal, in hundredths = first as hundredths
Read the two digits after the point as hundredths. One digit: add a 0.
0.4 = 0.40 = 40 hundredths
First as hundredths = 40
Step 2 · Find second as hundredths
0.35
=
?
100
Second decimal, in hundredths = second as hundredths
Read the two digits after the point as hundredths. One digit: add a 0.
0.35 = 35 hundredths
Second as hundredths = 35
Step 3 · Find hundredths apart
40 and 35 are ? apart
Bigger hundredths − smaller hundredths = hundredths apart
Take the smaller number of hundredths away from the bigger one.
Hundredths apart = 40 − 35
Hundredths apart = 5
Step 4 · Find sign
sign ? between 40 and 35
The sign between the two decimals
Compare the hundredths like whole numbers.
40 > 35, so 0.4 > 0.35
s: >
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
0.4
=
40
100
✓
0.35
=
35
100
✓
40 > 35, so 0.4 > 0.35 ✓
0.4 > 0.35 ✓
← Previous lesson
Fractions and decimals: tenths and hundredths
Next lesson →
Fractions and decimals on the number line
Topic check
See what you know: 5 questions on this topic
New questions each time. Pass to mark it complete.
Refresh
Nothing to review first. This is a starting point.
Related lessons
Fractions and decimals: tenths and hundredths
Main lesson
Fractions and decimals on the number line
Use this for “The line from 0 to 1 is cut into hundredths. What decimal is the point 62 parts along?”
Add tenths and hundredths
Use this for “Find the value of 6/10 + 7/100” and write the sum as a decimal (sums under one whole).
Solve problems involving money
Use this for “A book costs $3.45 and a pen $1.80. How much in all?” For what is left, give the total and one price.