Compare and order numbers with up to 3 decimal places
I can use understanding of place value to compare and order numbers with up to 3 decimal places
Compare and order numbers with up to 3 decimal places
I can use understanding of place value to compare and order numbers with up to 3 decimal places
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- To compare two numbers, you compare digits with the same place value, starting with the largest place-value digit
- If whole numbers. tenths and hundredths are the same, look at the value of the thousandths digit to compare and order
Keywords
Compare - When you compare, you look for similarities and differences in an object or value.
Place value - The value of a digit in a number based on where it is placed is known as place value.
Order - You can order numbers by putting them in a place based on a set rule.
Common misconception
Pupils mistake numbers with more digits after the decimal point to be the larger number.
Provide opportunities for pupils to build numbers with base 10 blocks, enabling them to see the magnitude of the numbers they compare.
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Compare and order numbers with up to 3 decimal places, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Compare and order numbers with up to 3 decimal places, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Use knowledge of decimals to solve problems in different contexts: length unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
less than
greater than
equal to

Exit quiz
6 Questions
When you look for similarities and differences in an object
The value of a digit in a number based on where it is placed
Putting numbers in a place based on a set rule.