Decimals Showdown: Comparing and Ordering Decimals!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:48 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare and order decimals using place value, just like comparing prices or race times!

Video Resource

Comparing Decimals | Less Than and Greater Than Decimals | Grades 4-6

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Duration: 3:48
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Place Value (tenths, hundredths)
  • Comparing Decimals
  • Ordering Decimals
  • Greater Than, Less Than, and Equal To symbols

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two decimals to the hundredths place using place value.
  • Students will be able to order a set of decimals to the hundredths place from least to greatest or greatest to least.
  • Students will be able to identify real-world situations where comparing and ordering decimals is necessary.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students about times they've seen decimals used in real life (e.g., prices, measurements). Briefly discuss the importance of being able to compare them (finding the best deal, fastest time).
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the NUMBEROCK video 'Comparing Decimals | Less Than and Greater Than Decimals | Grades 4-6'. Encourage students to pay attention to the methods for comparing and ordering decimals.
  • Place Value Review (10 mins)
    Review place value to the hundredths place. Use a place value chart to visually represent decimals. Emphasize that the digit to the right of the decimal point is the tenths place, and the next digit is the hundredths place.
  • Comparing Decimals (15 mins)
    Explain the process of comparing decimals: Start by comparing the whole number parts. If they are the same, compare the tenths place. If the tenths place is the same, compare the hundredths place. Model several examples on the board, using the greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) symbols.
  • Ordering Decimals (10 mins)
    Explain how to order a set of decimals. Start by identifying the smallest and largest decimals. Then, arrange the remaining decimals in the correct order. Model several examples, ordering from least to greatest and greatest to least.
  • Real-World Applications (5 mins)
    Discuss the real-world examples from the video description (prices, race times, percentages). Have students share other examples they can think of.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Review comparing/ordering decimals and answer student questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Decimal Card Game
    Create a deck of cards with decimals written on them. Have students play a game where they draw two cards and compare the decimals, stating which is greater or less than the other.
  • Number Line Ordering
    Provide students with a number line and a set of decimals. Have them plot the decimals on the number line to visually represent their order.
  • Price Comparison Activity
    Present students with a list of items and their prices (written as decimals). Ask them to identify the cheapest and most expensive items, and then order the prices from least to greatest.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to be able to compare decimals?
  • Can you think of a time when you needed to compare decimals in real life?
  • What strategies can you use to compare decimals if you are unsure which is larger?

Skills Developed

  • Comparing and Ordering Numbers
  • Place Value Understanding
  • Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which decimal is greater: 0.6 or 0.4?

Correct Answer: 0.6

Question 2:

Which decimal is smaller: 0.25 or 0.50?

Correct Answer: 0.25

Question 3:

Which of these decimals is the largest?

Correct Answer: 1.0

Question 4:

Which of these decimals is the smallest?

Correct Answer: 0.02

Question 5:

Which symbol means 'greater than'?

Correct Answer: >

Question 6:

Which symbol means 'less than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 7:

Which of these is in order from least to greatest?

Correct Answer: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3

Question 8:

What is the place value of the 5 in the number 3.52?

Correct Answer: Tenths

Question 9:

Which decimal is equal to one half?

Correct Answer: 0.5

Question 10:

A candy bar costs $0.75. A soda costs $0.50. Which costs more?

Correct Answer: Candy bar

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The place to the right of the decimal point is called the ______ place.

Correct Answer: tenths

Question 2:

The place two spots to the right of the decimal point is called the ______ place.

Correct Answer: hundredths

Question 3:

0.7 is ______ than 0.3

Correct Answer: greater

Question 4:

0.2 is ______ than 0.8

Correct Answer: less

Question 5:

The symbol > means ______ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 6:

The symbol < means ______ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 7:

0.5 is the same as one ______.

Correct Answer: half

Question 8:

To compare decimals, start by comparing the ______ number parts.

Correct Answer: whole

Question 9:

0.75 is ______ than 0.5

Correct Answer: greater

Question 10:

When ordering decimals, you arrange them from least to ______ or greatest to ______.

Correct Answer: greatest

Educational Standards

4.N.3.8:Compare and order decimals and whole numbers using place value and various models including but not limited to grids, number lines, and base 10 blocks. 4.N.3.7:Read and write decimals in standard, word, and expanded form up to at least the hundredths place in a variety of contexts, including money. 4.N.3.6:Represent tenths and hundredths with concrete and pictorial models, making connections between fractions and decimals.

Teaching Materials

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