Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size

What you'll learn

1. Compare two decimals to hundredths using place-value reasoning — comparing the tenths digit first, then the hundredths digit — and record the result using >, =, or <
2. Explain why a comparison between two decimals is valid only when both decimals refer to the same whole
3. Use visual models (10x10 grids and number lines) to justify a decimal comparison, showing that the model makes the relative size of each decimal visible
4. Recognize that trailing zeros do not change a decimal's value (0.5 = 0.50) and use this equivalence to compare a tenths decimal with a hundredths decimal
5. Avoid the whole-number thinking error — correctly reasoning that 0.9 > 0.12 even though 9 < 12 — by attending to place value rather than digit count

Prerequisites

• Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100