Compare Decimals: Finding the Correct Symbol Between 0.5 and 0.07

Q: How do I know which decimal is bigger when they look confusing?

Always start from the leftmost digit after the decimal. In $ 0.5 $ vs $ 0.07 $, compare tenths place first: 5 tenths > 0 tenths, so $ 0.5 > 0.07 $!

Q: What if the number with more digits is actually smaller?

Yes! $ 0.9 > 0.87 $ even though 0.87 has more digits. More digits doesn't mean bigger value - it's all about place value positions.

Q: Can I use the number line to check my answer?

Absolutely! On a number line, numbers get larger as you move right. Since 0.5 is positioned to the right of 0.07, we know $ 0.5 > 0.07 $.

Q: What's the easiest way to avoid mistakes with decimals?

Step 1: Write both numbers with the same number of decimal placesStep 2: Compare digit by digit from left to rightStep 3: Stop at the first different digit - that determines which is larger!

Decimal Comparison with Place Value Understanding

Determine the appropriate sign (?) according to the number line:

$0.5?0.07$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Set the appropriate sign

00:04 We'll use the number line to find the 2 numbers

00:08 If the number is to the left of the second number then it's smaller, and to the right it's larger

00:12 We'll identify the position of our number in relation to the second number

00:16 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

Determine the appropriate sign (?) according to the number line:

$0.5?0.07$

Step-by-step solution

Let's first look at the number 0.5.

We can add a 0 on the end in order to better compare it to 0.07:

$0.5=0.50$

Now, if we examine the numbers after the decimal point, we discover that:

$0.50>0.07$

Final Answer

$>$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Place Value Rule: Compare digits in the same decimal place from left to right
Technique: Add zeros to equalize places: 0.5 = 0.50, then compare 50 > 07
Check: Use number line position: 0.5 is right of 0.07, so 0.5 > 0.07 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing decimal numbers like whole numbers
Don't think 0.07 > 0.5 because 7 > 5 = completely wrong answer! You're comparing different place values (hundredths vs tenths). Always align decimal places by adding zeros, then compare digits in the same positions.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which decimal number is greater?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can I add zeros after the decimal point?

Adding zeros after the last digit doesn't change the value! $0.5 = 0.50 = 0.500$ because zero in any decimal place means no additional value.

How do I know which decimal is bigger when they look confusing?

Always start from the leftmost digit after the decimal. In $0.5$ vs $0.07$ , compare tenths place first: 5 tenths > 0 tenths, so $0.5 > 0.07$ !

What if the number with more digits is actually smaller?

Yes! $0.9 > 0.87$ even though 0.87 has more digits. More digits doesn't mean bigger value - it's all about place value positions.

Can I use the number line to check my answer?

Absolutely! On a number line, numbers get larger as you move right. Since 0.5 is positioned to the right of 0.07, we know $0.5 > 0.07$ .

What's the easiest way to avoid mistakes with decimals?

Step 1: Write both numbers with the same number of decimal places
Step 2: Compare digit by digit from left to right
Step 3: Stop at the first different digit - that determines which is larger!

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