Compare Decimals: Find the Missing Sign Between 2.021 and 20.21

Q: Why don't I need to look at the decimal parts here?

When the whole number parts are different, they determine the comparison! Since 2

Q: What if the whole number parts were the same?

Then you'd compare decimal parts digit by digit from left to right. For example, with 2.021 vs 2.21, you'd compare 0 vs 2 in the tenths place to get 2.021

Q: Does the number of decimal places matter?

No! 20.21 is much larger than 2.021 because 20 > 2. More decimal places don't make a number bigger - the whole number and leftmost decimal digits matter most.

Q: How can I remember the comparison symbols?

Think of the symbol as a hungry mouth that opens toward the larger number! So

Q: What's the fastest way to compare decimals?

First: Compare whole number partsIf equal: Compare tenths placeIf still equal: Compare hundredths placeContinue until you find a difference!

Decimal Comparison with Whole Number Parts

Fill in the missing sign:

$2.021\text{ }_{—\text{ }}20.21$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Choose the appropriate sign

00:04 Let's compare the digits between the numbers

00:10 Let's compare the digits before the decimal point and see that this number is larger

00:20 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign:

$2.021\text{ }_{—\text{ }}20.21$

Step-by-step solution

Let's compare the numbers in the following way:

We notice that before the decimal point, we have the numbers 2 and 20

Since 20 is greater than 2, the appropriate sign is:

$2.021 < 20.21$

Final Answer

$<$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Compare whole number parts before examining decimal digits
Technique: 2.021 vs 20.21 → compare 2 vs 20 first
Check: Verify 2 < 20, so 2.021 < 20.21 regardless of decimals ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing only the decimal parts
Don't focus just on .021 vs .21 and think .021 < .21 means the whole numbers are equal! This ignores the crucial whole number parts (2 vs 20). Always compare whole number parts first - they determine the relationship.

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 parts here?

When the whole number parts are different, they determine the comparison! Since 2 < 20, we know 2.021 < 20.21 without checking decimals. The whole number part has much greater value than any decimal part.

What if the whole number parts were the same?

Then you'd compare decimal parts digit by digit from left to right. For example, with 2.021 vs 2.21, you'd compare 0 vs 2 in the tenths place to get 2.021 < 2.21.

Does the number of decimal places matter?

No! 20.21 is much larger than 2.021 because 20 > 2. More decimal places don't make a number bigger - the whole number and leftmost decimal digits matter most.

How can I remember the comparison symbols?

Think of the symbol as a hungry mouth that opens toward the larger number! So < means 'less than' because the opening points to the bigger number on the right.

What's the fastest way to compare decimals?

First: Compare whole number parts
If equal: Compare tenths place
If still equal: Compare hundredths place
Continue until you find a difference!

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