EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What are Ordering Decimals

Ordering Decimals

Understanding Decimals

Decimals are a way of representing numbers that are less than one whole. They use a decimal point to separate the whole number part from the fractional part.

Example: 3.14 has a whole number part of 3 and a fractional part of 0.14.

Ordering Decimals

Ordering decimals means arranging them from smallest to largest or largest to smallest. To order decimals, follow these steps:

1. Align the decimal points: Make sure the decimal points are aligned vertically for all the numbers.

2. Compare the whole number parts: The number with the smallest whole number is the smallest. If the whole numbers are the same, move to the next step.

3. Compare the tenths place: The number with the smaller digit in the tenths place is smaller. If the tenths place is the same, move to the next step.

4. Compare the hundredths place: Continue comparing the digits in each place value column until you find a difference.

Example:

Order the following decimals from smallest to largest:

• 2.35
• 1.87
• 2.4
• 1.9

Solution:

1. Align the decimal points:

2.35
1.87
2.40 
1.90

1. Compare the whole number parts: 1 is smaller than 2.

2. Therefore, 1.87 and 1.90 are smaller than 2.35 and 2.40.

3. Compare the tenths place of 1.87 and 1.90: 8 is smaller than 9.

4. Therefore, the order from smallest to largest is:

1.87
1.90
2.35
2.40

Tips for Ordering Decimals

• Zeroes are your friend: Adding zeroes after the decimal point doesn't change the value of the number. This can be helpful when comparing decimals with different numbers of decimal places.
• Visual aids: Draw a number line to help you visualize the order of decimals.
• Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice ordering decimals, the easier it will become.

Practice Problems

1. Order the following decimals from largest to smallest: 0.75, 0.8, 0.65, 0.7

2. Arrange the following decimals in ascending order: 3.21, 3.12, 3.01, 3.1

3. Which decimal is the smallest: 1.234, 1.243, 1.324?

Answers:

1. 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.65

2. 3.01, 3.1, 3.12, 3.21

3. 1.234