How to Compare Decimals
Understand the meaning of less than., Understand what equal to means., Learning about more than.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand the meaning of less than.
To recognize less than ( < ) think about the point of the arrow pointing to the smaller number.
In the example 3 < 6, 3 is the smaller number so the arrow is pointing to it.
A silly way to think about it is thinking of the arrow as an alligator’s mouth.
The alligator always eats the larger number! -
Step 2: Understand what equal to means.
Equal to ( = ) is the easiest symbol to understand! When numbers have the same amount as the other, equal to ( = ) sign is used between the numbers.
This includes whole numbers (4 = 4) as well as decimals (2.75 =
2.75). , More than ( > ) is the opposite of less than ( < ) and the the wide end of the arrow is open to the larger number.
For example 680 >
45.
To go with the alligator analogy again, the alligator’s mouth is always ready to chomp the larger number. -
Step 3: Learning about more than.
Detailed Guide
To recognize less than ( < ) think about the point of the arrow pointing to the smaller number.
In the example 3 < 6, 3 is the smaller number so the arrow is pointing to it.
A silly way to think about it is thinking of the arrow as an alligator’s mouth.
The alligator always eats the larger number!
Equal to ( = ) is the easiest symbol to understand! When numbers have the same amount as the other, equal to ( = ) sign is used between the numbers.
This includes whole numbers (4 = 4) as well as decimals (2.75 =
2.75). , More than ( > ) is the opposite of less than ( < ) and the the wide end of the arrow is open to the larger number.
For example 680 >
45.
To go with the alligator analogy again, the alligator’s mouth is always ready to chomp the larger number.
About the Author
Ryan Green
Creates helpful guides on DIY projects to inspire and educate readers.
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