Compare Decimals: Find the Missing Sign Between 0.8 and 0.08

Q: Why does 0.8 look smaller than 0.08 but it's actually bigger?

This is a common confusion! The number of digits doesn't determine size. Focus on place value: 0.8 means 8 tenths, while 0.08 means 8 hundredths. Since tenths are bigger than hundredths, 0.8 > 0.08.

Q: How can I make decimal comparison easier?

Add trailing zeros to make decimals the same length! Write 0.8 as 0.80, then compare: 0.80 vs 0.08. Now you can clearly see that 80 hundredths is greater than 8 hundredths.

Q: Can I convert decimals to fractions to compare them?

Absolutely! $ 0.8 = \frac{8}{10} $ and $ 0.08 = \frac{8}{100} $. Since $ \frac{8}{10} = \frac{80}{100} $, you can see that $ \frac{80}{100} > \frac{8}{100} $.

Q: What's the easiest way to remember decimal place values?

Use this memory trick: tenths, hundredths, thousandths - each place is 10 times smaller than the previous one. So 0.8 (8 tenths) is much bigger than 0.08 (8 hundredths)!

Q: Do I always need to line up the decimal points?

Yes! When comparing decimals, always align the decimal points vertically. This helps you see which digits are in the same place value positions for accurate comparison.

Decimal Comparison with Place Value Analysis

Fill in the missing sign:

$0.8\text{ }_{—\text{ }}0.08$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Choose the appropriate sign

00:03 Let's compare the digits between the numbers

00:14 8 is greater than 0, so this number is bigger

00:19 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign:

$0.8\text{ }_{—\text{ }}0.08$

Step-by-step solution

To compare which is greater, we will compare the numbers by adding 0 to 0.8 as follows:

$0.80\text{?}0.08$

Let's note that before the decimal point, we have 0 in both numbers.

After the decimal point, we have 8 compared to 0.

Since 8 is greater than 0, the appropriate sign is as follows:

$0.80 > 0.08$

Final Answer

$>$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Place Value Rule: Compare digits from left to right after decimal point
Technique: Add trailing zeros: 0.8 becomes 0.80 for easier comparison
Check: Convert to fractions: 0.8 = 8/10, 0.08 = 8/100, so 8/10 > 8/100 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing only the digits without considering place value
Don't think 0.08 is bigger just because it has more digits = completely wrong answer! The 8 in 0.08 is in the hundredths place, while 8 in 0.8 is in the tenths place. Always consider place value position when comparing decimals.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Reduce the following fraction:

$$ 0.30 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does 0.8 look smaller than 0.08 but it's actually bigger?

This is a common confusion! The number of digits doesn't determine size. Focus on place value: 0.8 means 8 tenths, while 0.08 means 8 hundredths. Since tenths are bigger than hundredths, 0.8 > 0.08.

How can I make decimal comparison easier?

Add trailing zeros to make decimals the same length! Write 0.8 as 0.80, then compare: 0.80 vs 0.08. Now you can clearly see that 80 hundredths is greater than 8 hundredths.

Can I convert decimals to fractions to compare them?

Absolutely! $0.8 = \frac{8}{10}$ and $0.08 = \frac{8}{100}$ . Since $\frac{8}{10} = \frac{80}{100}$ , you can see that $\frac{80}{100} > \frac{8}{100}$ .

What's the easiest way to remember decimal place values?

Use this memory trick: tenths, hundredths, thousandths - each place is 10 times smaller than the previous one. So 0.8 (8 tenths) is much bigger than 0.08 (8 hundredths)!

Do I always need to line up the decimal points?

Yes! When comparing decimals, always align the decimal points vertically. This helps you see which digits are in the same place value positions for accurate comparison.

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