| Comparing decimals visually | |
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| Description | |
| Exercise Name: | Comparing decimals visually |
| Math Missions: | 4th grade (U.S.) Math Mission |
| Types of Problems: | 1 |
The Comparing decimals visually exercise appears under the 4th grade (U.S.) Math Mission. This exercise uses geometric representations to understand relative size between decimals.
Types of Problems[]
There is one type of problem in this exercise:
- Use the correct inequality or equals sign: This problem provides two decimal numbers that are meant to be compared. The student is asked to select the correct symbol from among <,> and = to represent the correct answer.
Use the correct inequality or equals sign
Strategies[]
Knowledge of the meaning of decimal places and an ability to think geometrically are encouraged to ensure success on this exercise.
- Decimals are meant to be compared by the first different digit when reading left to right.
- The geometric manipulatives may be useful, but are not required to get the answers to this exercise.
- The problems with equality appear to include an extra zero after the decimal in all cases.
- The first option is <, the second is >, and the third is =. This knowledge and that "tab" key can increase efficiency on this exercise.
Real-life Applications[]
- Decimals are very common in shopping. Price tags, food labels, and receipts all contain decimals.
- At gas pumps, decimals are used to show how much gas is pumped and much it costs per gallon.
- Comparing decimals efficiently has many uses in science and math, especially as a tool for finding approximations and checking answers.