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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can compare decimals using < and >.

      Key learning points

      1. Decimals can be compared using place value tables.
      2. Decimals can be compared on a number line.
      3. Decimals comparisons can be expressed using < and >.

      Keywords

      • Place value - The value of a digit in a number based on where it is placed is known as place value.

      • Decimal form - A number is in decimal form when the decimal point is shown and there are digits to the right of the decimal point.

      Common misconception

      Considering the decimal part of a number to be an integer.

      Reinforce the use of a place value table and working from left to right when comparing decimals. It can be useful to use money here.

      Teacher tip

      Pick digits at random, write these on the board, a pupil writes down a decimal using all digits. The others must ask 'higher or lower' questions to determine the number chosen, they can only answer yes and no to the questions.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      $$73$$ and $$(-73)$$ have the same value.

      Correct Answer: absolute

      Q2.
      Which of the following are below $$(-10)\unicode{x2103}$$

      $$(-8)\unicode{x2103}$$
      $$(-2)\unicode{x2103}$$
      Correct answer: $$(-12)\unicode{x2103}$$
      Correct answer: $$(-14)\unicode{x2103}$$

      Q3.
      Complete this sentence: $$(-11)\unicode{x2103}$$ is than $$(-9)\unicode{x2103}$$

      Correct Answer: colder, lower, less than

      Q4.
      Arrange these temperatures from coldest to warmest:

      1 - $$(-76)\unicode{x2103}$$
      2 - $$(-73.5)\unicode{x2103}$$
      3 - $$(-73)\unicode{x2103}$$
      4 - $$(-37.1)\unicode{x2103}$$
      5 - $$(-37.05)\unicode{x2103}$$
      6 - $$(-37)\unicode{x2103}$$

      Q5.
      Which of the following pairs of integers need the '<' symbol in the box to make them true?

      $$(-22)$$ $$\square$$ $$(-25)$$
      Correct answer: $$(-3233)$$ $$\square$$ $$(-3232)$$
      $$(-401)$$ $$\square$$ $$(-410)$$
      Correct answer: $$(-12 587)$$ $$\square$$ $$(-12 578)$$

      Q6.
      Arrange these integers from smallest to largest:

      1 - $$(-8769)$$
      2 - $$(-7698)$$
      3 - $$(-7689)$$
      4 - $$(-6987)$$
      5 - $$(-6879)$$
      6 - $$(-6789)$$

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The value of a digit in a number based on where it is placed is known as place .

      Correct Answer: value

      Q2.
      Select all the values that are less than 0.3683

      Correct answer: 0.3634
      Correct answer: 0.357
      0.3759
      0.3683
      Correct answer: 0.35135

      Q3.
      What number is $$a$$ pointing to?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 9.7

      Q4.
      What number is $$b$$ pointing to?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 10.25

      Q5.
      What number is $$c$$ pointing to?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 9.2

      Q6.
      What number is $$d$$ pointing to?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 12.6

      To help you plan your 7 maths lesson on: Ordering decimals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...