Decimal Comparison: Find the Missing Operator Between 19.88 and 17.10

Q: Why don't I just compare the decimal parts .88 and .10?

Because the whole number part is more important! Even though .88 > .10, we have 19.88 vs 17.10, and 19 is definitely greater than 17.

Q: Do the extra zeros in 17.10 matter?

No! The zeros at the end of decimals don't change the value. 17.10 = 17.1, but we still compare it the same way against 19.88.

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

Then you'd look at the tenths place next! For example, with 19.88 vs 19.10, since 19 = 19, compare 8 tenths vs 1 tenth, so 19.88 > 19.10.

Q: Is there a trick to make decimal comparison easier?

Yes! You can line up the decimal points vertically and compare column by column from left to right, just like whole numbers.

Q: What if I'm still confused about which symbol to use?

Remember: the greater than symbol (>) points to the smaller number. So 19.88 > 17.10 means 19.88 is greater than 17.10.

Decimal Comparison with Multi-Digit Analysis

Fill in the missing sign:

$19.88\text{ }_{—\text{ }}17.10$

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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

00:06 9 is greater than 7 therefore this number is bigger

00:11 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:

$19.88\text{ }_{—\text{ }}17.10$

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

Then we have the number 9 versus the number 7

Since 9 is greater than 7, the appropriate sign is:

$19.88 > 17.10$

Final Answer

$>$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Compare decimals digit by digit from left to right
Technique: Compare tens place first: 19.88 vs 17.10, so 1=1, then 9>7
Check: Verify by converting: 19.88 = 1988 hundredths > 1710 hundredths ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing only the decimal part
Don't just look at .88 vs .10 and think .88 > .10 means the answer! This ignores the whole number part completely. Always start comparing from the leftmost digit and work right.

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 just compare the decimal parts .88 and .10?

Because the whole number part is more important! Even though .88 > .10, we have 19.88 vs 17.10, and 19 is definitely greater than 17.

Do the extra zeros in 17.10 matter?

No! The zeros at the end of decimals don't change the value. 17.10 = 17.1, but we still compare it the same way against 19.88.

What if both whole number parts were the same?

Then you'd look at the tenths place next! For example, with 19.88 vs 19.10, since 19 = 19, compare 8 tenths vs 1 tenth, so 19.88 > 19.10.

Is there a trick to make decimal comparison easier?

Yes! You can line up the decimal points vertically and compare column by column from left to right, just like whole numbers.

What if I'm still confused about which symbol to use?

Remember: the greater than symbol (>) points to the smaller number. So 19.88 > 17.10 means 19.88 is greater than 17.10.

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