Decimals (Tenths and Hundredths) • Topic 2 of 3

Compare Decimals

Comparing decimals: line up the decimal points and compare digit by digit from left to right.

Steps:

  • Line up the decimal points (add zeros if needed)
  • Compare the ones place first
  • If same, compare tenths
  • If same, compare hundredths
  • The first place where digits differ decides which is larger

Important: 0.3 = 0.30 (adding a zero on the right does not change the value, it just allows comparison).

Comparing 0.45 and 0.40.45Tenths: 4Hundredths: 50.40Tenths: 4 (SAME)Hundredths: 0Hundredths 5 > 0, so 0.45 > 0.4
Solved Examples
1
Worked Example
Compare 0.6 and 0.59.
SolutionWrite 0.6 as 0.60. Compare tenths: 6 vs 5. 6 > 5, so 0.6 > 0.59.
2
Worked Example
Compare 1.25 and 0.98.
SolutionCompare ones: 1 vs 0. Since 1 > 0, answer is 1.25 > 0.98. (No need to compare further.)
3
Worked Example
Riya ran 100m in 14.5 seconds. Priya ran in 14.45 seconds. Who was faster?
SolutionIn racing, smaller time = faster. Compare 14.5 and 14.45: write 14.50. Tenths: 5 vs 4. 5 > 4, so 14.5 > 14.45. Priya's time (14.45) is less, so Priya was faster.

Key Points

  • Always line up decimal points before comparing
  • Compare left to right: ones, tenths, hundredths
  • Add zeros to the right when needed for comparison — value stays the same
  • In real-life problems, read carefully — smaller time = faster!
Quick Check — 4 MCQs
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.To compare decimals, first line up the:
Explanation: Decimal points.
Q2.Which is greater: $0.5$ or $0.45$?
Explanation: $0.5=0.50>0.45$.
Q3.$0.3$ is ___ $0.30$.
Explanation: Equal.
Q4.Adding a zero to the right of a decimal:
Explanation: No change.
Practice more MCQs → 📝 Assignment · 35 marks