Mr. Gifford’s 5th Grade Math

Lesson #6

Comparing and Ordering Decimals.

When you want to find out which decimals are

larger (greatest) or smaller (least) you want

to COMPARE the two numbers. This is done in a couple easy steps just

like whole numbers.

43.697 or 43.679Which is bigger?

To figure out this problem follow these 4 steps:

#1 – Line the numbers up so that their place values

match

43.69743.679

#2- The start at the largest place value at the LEFT and begin to cross out the digits that are the SAME.

43.69743.679

#3 – When you come to a set of numbers that do not match circle the Larger (greatest) number.

43.69743.679

#4 – 9 is bigger than 7 so…

43.697 is greater than 43.679. To show this you

use one of these three symbols< ; = ; >

The arrow Always points to the SMALLER number.

The equal sign means they are the same.

43.697 > 43.679

To put numbers in order from largest (greatest) to smallest (least)

or smallest (least) to largest (greatest)

you follow the same steps

Now let’s Practice. Tell which numbers are either smaller or larger. Place the correct symbol between the numbers. < ; = ; >0.491 0.4190.4910.419

9 is bigger Than 1

0.491 > 0.419

18.23 18.32

18.2318.32

2 is less than 318.23 < 18.32

Now lets put numbers in order from smallest (least) to largest (greatest)

5.753 ; 5.673 ; 5.735 ;

5.7535.6735.735

6 is smaller than both 7’s

smallest

3 is smaller than 5

2nd smallest

5.673 ; 5.735 ; 5.753

Now lets try ordering numbers using a number line. Put the numbers below on the number line in the correct order.0.478 ; 0.487 ; 0.477 ;

0.4880.400

0.500

0.477

0.478

0.487

0.488

Here is a Game called Whole number or Decimal Trash can.

You can place it with REAL play cards if you have them OR the virtual deck of cards the link below will give you.

First decide how many place values you want to use. In this game we will use 5. You will also include a box that will be your TRASH CAN.

,

Next, decide what game you want to play.

Examples - largest number; smallest number; the number closest to; the number farthest from; the number between. Feel free to create your own game as you see the need.

In this game we will play the smallest number. Go to this link to get your deck of cards.

,

http://sonan.home.insightbb.com/vdoc/

Turn your first card over. Decide which place you want the digit on the card to go. (Face cards and 10’s are worth 0 and an Ace is worth 1).

,1

Continue to turn cards over until you have filled up all of the place values and placed one card in the box or TRASH CAN. When you have a number see if it meets the criteria of your game. It is that simple.

,1 4

9

1 6 8

Good Work with this lesson. Go to the following link to

assess what you have learned.

Thank you and see you next lesson

http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/ordering-game.php?m=Dec-Tricky

http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/ordering-game.php?m=Dec-Tricky