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Order decimals to hundredths

Decimal order to hundredths is determined by place value: compare whole-number parts first, then tenths, and finally hundredths, treating a missing hundredths digit as zero (for example, 0.5 = 0.50). This supports comparing and locating nonnegative decimals on a number line and counters the misconception that a decimal with more written digits is automatically greater; the scope excludes thousandths, negative decimals, and decimal operations.

Detailed Explanation: Order decimals to hundredths

To order decimals to hundredths, compare their place values from left to right:

  1. Compare the whole-number parts.
  2. If those are equal, compare the tenths digits.
  3. If those are equal, compare the hundredths digits.
  4. If a decimal has no hundredths digit, write a zero. For example, 0.5=0.500.5 = 0.50.

Example: Order from least to greatest:

0.5,0.47,1.05,0.95,0.520.5,\quad 0.47,\quad 1.05,\quad 0.95,\quad 0.52

Rewrite each decimal to show hundredths:

0.50,0.47,1.05,0.95,0.520.50,\quad 0.47,\quad 1.05,\quad 0.95,\quad 0.52

Now compare:

  • 0.470.47 and 0.500.50 have the same whole-number part, 00. Compare tenths: 4<54<5, so 0.47<0.500.47<0.50.
  • 0.500.50 and 0.520.52 have the same whole-number part and tenths digit. Compare hundredths: 0<20<2, so 0.50<0.520.50<0.52.
  • 0.520.52 and 0.950.95 have the same whole-number part, but 5<95<9 in the tenths place, so 0.52<0.950.52<0.95.
  • Any decimal with whole-number part 00 is less than a decimal with whole-number part 11, so 0.95<1.050.95<1.05.

Therefore, the decimals in order from least to greatest are

0.47, 0.5, 0.52, 0.95, 1.05\boxed{0.47,\ 0.5,\ 0.52,\ 0.95,\ 1.05}

Remember: having more written digits does not automatically make a decimal greater. The number 0.50.5 is equal to 0.500.50.

Learn by doing: Order decimals to hundredths

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Decimal Concept Comparison - Decimal Number Tenths vs Decimal Number Hundredths


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