Comparing Decimals Worksheets Through Thousandths
Teach decimal comparison by matching place values.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
How to teach it
Line up decimal points and compare from the greatest place. Add trailing zeros to make equivalent forms easier to compare.
Example to work through together
Use the model below as you explain the example. Have your student point to the quantities as you discuss them.
| Place | 0.800 | 0.750 |
|---|---|---|
| Ones | 0 | 0 |
| Tenths | 8 | 7 |
| Hundredths | 0 | 5 |
| Thousandths | 0 | 0 |
The first different place is tenths: 8 tenths is greater than 7 tenths. Therefore, 0.8 > 0.75. The 5 hundredths cannot make up the difference of 1 tenth.
Ask your student
Does writing a zero at the end change this amount?
If your student needs help
If the student chooses the number with more digits, compare both numbers on a place-value chart.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Choose one comparison and explain the first place where the numbers differ. For an equal pair, explain why adding trailing zeros leaves the value unchanged. Return to identifying decimal places if matching columns is difficult.
Calculation practiceDecimal Place Value: Find the Digit
Identify the tenths, hundredths, or thousandths digit, including zero.
6 problems · Answer key included
More about numbers · Grade 5 worksheets
Grade 5 selected skill connection: 5.NBT.A.3b. See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.