Compare Decimal Numbers: Finding the Symbol Between 101.0 and 102.1

Decimal Comparison with Whole and Tenths

Fill in the missing sign:

101.0 — 102.1 101.0\text{ }_{—\text{ }}102.1

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Choose the appropriate sign
00:03 Let's compare the digits between the numbers
00:07 2 is greater than 1 so this number is larger
00:11 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign:

101.0 — 102.1 101.0\text{ }_{—\text{ }}102.1

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's compare the numbers in the following way:

We notice that before the decimal point, both numbers start with 1 and then 0

After that, the numbers are different, 1 versus 2

Since 2 is greater than 1, the appropriate sign is:

101.0<102.1 101.0 < 102.1

3

Final Answer

< <

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Compare digits from left to right, starting with whole numbers
  • Technique: When whole parts differ (101 vs 102), that determines the comparison
  • Check: Verify 101.0 < 102.1 since 101 < 102 in whole numbers ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Comparing only the decimal parts
    Don't focus just on 0.0 vs 0.1 and think the decimals determine everything = wrong comparison! The whole number parts (101 vs 102) are most important. Always compare from left to right, starting with the largest place value.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Reduce the following fraction:

\( 0.30 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I need to look at the decimal part when comparing 101.0 and 102.1?

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Great question! When the whole number parts are different (101 vs 102), they determine the comparison. Since 102 > 101, we know 102.1 > 101.0 regardless of what comes after the decimal point.

What if the whole numbers were the same, like 101.0 and 101.5?

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Then you'd compare the tenths place! Since 0 < 5 in the tenths place, you'd have 101.0 < 101.5. Always move right to the next decimal place when the current digits are equal.

Does it matter that one number has .0 and the other has .1?

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In this problem, no! The whole numbers (101 vs 102) already tell us the answer. But always check decimal places when whole numbers are equal.

How do I remember which symbol means 'less than' vs 'greater than'?

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Think of the symbol as a hungry mouth that always wants to eat the bigger number! So < 'eats' the larger number on the right, and > 'eats' the larger number on the left.

What's the easiest way to compare decimal numbers?

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  • Step 1: Line up the decimal points
  • Step 2: Compare digits from left to right
  • Step 3: Stop at the first different digit - that determines your answer!

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