Decimal Comparison: Determining Whether 0.48 < or > 0.84 Using Number Line

Q: How do I read the positions on this number line?

Look at where each decimal falls between the marked points. 0.48 is close to but less than 0.5, while 0.84 is much closer to 1.0, making 0.84 clearly larger.

Q: What if the decimals have different numbers of digits?

No problem! You can always add zeros to make them equal length. For example, 0.5 becomes 0.50, so you can compare 0.48 and 0.50 easily.

Q: Why is 0.48 less than 0.84 if 48 is bigger than 8?

Great question! You need to compare all digits in the same place value. Look at 0.48 vs 0.84: in the tenths place, 4

Q: How can I remember which way the symbols point?

Think of the symbol as a hungry mouth that always wants to eat the bigger number! So 0.48

Q: What if I can't see the exact positions on the number line?

Use the marked reference points! Since 0.48 is less than 0.5 and 0.84 is greater than 0.8, you can determine 0.48

Decimal Comparison with Visual Number Lines

Determine the appropriate sign according to the number line:

$0.48?0.84$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Set the appropriate sign

00:04 We'll use the number line to find the 2 numbers

00:07 If the number is to the left of the second number then it's smaller, and if to the right it's larger

00:11 We'll identify the position of our number in relation to the second number

00:16 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

Determine the appropriate sign according to the number line:

$0.48?0.84$

Step-by-step solution

Let's compare the numbers after the decimal point since 48 is less than 84, we find that:

$0.48<0.84$

Final Answer

$<$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Position Rule: Numbers further right on number lines are greater
Technique: Compare 0.48 and 0.84 by finding 48 < 84
Check: Verify 0.48 is left of 0.84 on the number line ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing only the first decimal digit
Don't just look at 4 and 8 in the tenths place = ignoring hundredths completely! This gives incomplete comparisons when tenths digits are equal. Always compare digit by digit from left to right until you find a difference.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which decimal number is greater?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I read the positions on this number line?

Look at where each decimal falls between the marked points. 0.48 is close to but less than 0.5, while 0.84 is much closer to 1.0, making 0.84 clearly larger.

What if the decimals have different numbers of digits?

No problem! You can always add zeros to make them equal length. For example, 0.5 becomes 0.50, so you can compare 0.48 and 0.50 easily.

Why is 0.48 less than 0.84 if 48 is bigger than 8?

Great question! You need to compare all digits in the same place value. Look at 0.48 vs 0.84: in the tenths place, 4 < 8, so 0.48 < 0.84.

How can I remember which way the < and > symbols point?

Think of the symbol as a hungry mouth that always wants to eat the bigger number! So 0.48 < 0.84 means the mouth opens toward the larger 0.84.

What if I can't see the exact positions on the number line?

Use the marked reference points! Since 0.48 is less than 0.5 and 0.84 is greater than 0.8, you can determine 0.48 < 0.84 without precise positioning.

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