Comparing and Ordering Decimal Fractions

Steps to compare and order decimal fractions

Step1: Convert all the decimal fractions into like decimals.

Step2: Then compare the integral number/whole number of the given fractions. The decimal fraction with greater integral part is greater.

Step3: If the integral parts are equal, then compare the digits in tenths place. In case digits in the tenths place are same, compare digits in hundredths place. If digits in hundredths places are same, compare thousandths place.

Step4: Now arrange the decimal fraction in ascending or descending order.

Example1: Compare 6.7 and 8.0

Here, both are like decimals.

So, compare integral part of the decimals 6.7 and 8.0.

6 < 8

Therefore, 6.7 < 8.0

Example2: Compare 15.6 and 15.9

Here, both are like decimals.

We can observe that integral parts of the decimals are same.

So, compare tenths place of the decimals 15.6 and 15.9.

6 < 9

Therefore, 15.6 < 15.9

Example3: Compare 15.9 and 15.92

Here, decimals are unlike decimals. So, convert them into like by putting zero on the extreme right of the last digit of decimal part.

15.90 And 15.92 (in decimal 15.9, we added 1 zero to make it like decimal fraction)

We can observe that integral parts and tenth place of the decimals are same.

So, compare hundredths place of the decimals 15.90 and 15.92

0 < 2

Therefore, 15.90 < 15.92

Example 4: Arrange the following decimals number in ascending order.

1.003, 1.35, 0.47, 0.88 and 0.235

Step1: Convert all decimals into like decimals by placing zero on the right side of the last digit of the decimal part.

1.003, 1.350, 0.470, 0.880 and 0.235

Step2: Compare the integral number/whole number of the given fractions, if same then compare tenths place and so on. Finally order the decimal fractions.

0.235 < 0.470 < 0.880 < 1.003 < 1.350