Comparing and Ordering Decimals

Have you started teaching your students about the concept of a decimal? This is a monumental step in your student’s understanding of numbers. For quite a long time, they have been focused on whole numbers, but now they may be learning about numbers that appear to the right of the decimal point.

This instructional slide deck can teach your students to compare decimals and order them from greatest to least or least to greatest. Within this slide deck, students are presented with two different options to compare and order decimals:

• With a place value chart
• Using a number line

Students are guided through how to compare and order decimals with each method.

Through this activity, students will show they can compare two decimals to the tenths place by reasoning about their size. Additionally, students will recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. 

Differentiate This Compare and Order Decimals Activity 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this compare and order decimals slide deck to support your math lessons. If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

• Help students who need support by chunking up the slide deck. Consider teaching these students how to compare decimals with a place value chart while allowing them to practice this method. When students are ready, introduce how to use a number line to compare and order decimals.
• For students who are ready for a challenge, consider giving them decimals to the hundredths and thousandths place to compare and order. Students can use the same methods (place value chart and number line) to help them with their comparisons.

Download to Start Comparing and Ordering Decimals

Use the Download button to access this resource’s editable Google Slides version. Note that you will be prompted to make a copy to your own personal drive before accessing.

Simply project the slideshow onto your screen for a paperless math lesson comparing and ordering decimals!

This resource was created by Lauren Blankenship, a teacher in Florida and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

More Resources to Support Lessons on Decimal Place Value

We’ve got more great comparing and ordering decimals resources to cut down on your planning time. Click below for some great suggestions from our teacher team!

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Compare and Order Decimals – 5th Grade Math Worksheet

Build decimal place value understanding with a printable worksheet for comparing and ordering decimals.

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Decimal War Card Game

Get your students comparing decimals with this fun card game for two players.

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Number Talks - Decimal Representation Task Cards

Explore representations of decimals with your students using this set of 28 number talks task cards.