Compare Decimals: Find the Missing Sign Between 1.500 and 1.50

Q: Why doesn't 1.500 equal more than 1.50 since it has more numbers?

The number of digits doesn't determine size! Think of it like money: $1.50 and $1.500 are exactly the same amount. The extra zero just shows more precision, not more value.

Q: When do trailing zeros actually matter?

Trailing zeros matter for precision in measurements and science, but not for mathematical value. In pure math comparisons, 1.5 = 1.50 = 1.500 always.

Q: What if the decimals have different numbers before the decimal point?

Always compare the whole number part first! If they're different (like 2.5 vs 1.500), the larger whole number wins regardless of what comes after the decimal.

Q: Is there a trick to remember this rule?

Think of trailing zeros as "decoration" - they make the number look fancier but don't change its actual value, just like adding extra zeros to $5.00 still equals $5!

Decimal Comparison with Trailing Zeros

Fill in the missing sign:

$1.500\text{ }_{—\text{ }}1.50$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign:

$1.500\text{ }_{—\text{ }}1.50$

Step-by-step solution

To compare the numbers $1.500$ and $1.50$ , observe the following:

1. $1.500$ and $1.50$ are equivalent because trailing zeros do not change the value of a decimal.

2. Therefore, $1.500 = 1.50$ .

The correct sign to fill the gap is $=$ .

Final Answer

$=$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Trailing zeros after decimal point do not change value
Technique: Compare $1.500 = 1.50$ by ignoring extra zeros
Check: Both numbers equal one and fifty hundredths exactly ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Thinking more decimal places means larger value
Don't think 1.500 > 1.50 because it has more digits = wrong comparison! Extra zeros don't add value, they just show precision. Always ignore trailing zeros when comparing decimal values.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Reduce the following fraction:

$$ 0.30 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why doesn't 1.500 equal more than 1.50 since it has more numbers?

The number of digits doesn't determine size! Think of it like money: $1.50 and$ 1.500 are exactly the same amount. The extra zero just shows more precision, not more value.

When do trailing zeros actually matter?

Trailing zeros matter for precision in measurements and science, but not for mathematical value. In pure math comparisons, 1.5 = 1.50 = 1.500 always.

How can I be sure two decimals are equal?

Line up the decimal points and compare digit by digit from left to right. If you run out of digits on one side, imagine invisible zeros filling the empty spaces.

What if the decimals have different numbers before the decimal point?

Always compare the whole number part first! If they're different (like 2.5 vs 1.500), the larger whole number wins regardless of what comes after the decimal.

Is there a trick to remember this rule?

Think of trailing zeros as "decoration" - they make the number look fancier but don't change its actual value, just like adding extra zeros to $5.00 still equals$ 5!

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