Essential Decimal Skills: Finding the Greater Number

Q: Why isn't 0.49 bigger than 0.5 if it has more numbers?

The number of digits doesn't determine size! Think of it like money: 50 cents (0.5) is more than 49 cents (0.49), even though 49 has more digits. Place value matters, not digit count.

Q: What's the easiest way to compare any two decimals?

Line them up by decimal points and add zeros if needed:0.500.49Compare digit by digit from left to right. The first different digit tells you which is larger!

Q: Can I use fractions to compare decimals?

Yes! Convert both to fractions with the same denominator: $ 0.5 = \frac{50}{100} $ and $ 0.49 = \frac{49}{100} $. Since 50 > 49, we know 0.5 > 0.49.

Q: What if the explanation says 0.49 is bigger? Is that wrong?

Yes, that's incorrect! The explanation contains an error. \( \frac{49}{100} , so 0.49

Decimal Comparison with Place Value Analysis

Which decimal number is greater?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Which number is bigger?

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

00:14 The digit 5 is greater than 4, therefore this number is bigger

00:20 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

Which decimal number is greater?

Step-by-step solution

Let's first convert the decimal numbers into simple fractions and compare them:

0.5 is divided by 10 because there is only one number after the decimal point, therefore:

$0.5=\frac{5}{10}$

0.49 is divided by 100 because there are two numbers after the decimal point, therefore:

$0.49=\frac{49}{100}$

Let's now compare our numbers:

$\frac{49}{100}>\frac{5}{10}$

Therefore, the larger number is 0.49.

Final Answer

$0.5$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Compare decimals digit by digit from left to right
Technique: Convert to common denominators: $0.5 = \frac{50}{100}$ vs $0.49 = \frac{49}{100}$
Check: Align decimal points and compare: 0.50 > 0.49 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Assuming more digits means larger number
Don't think 0.49 is bigger than 0.5 just because it has more digits = wrong comparison! More decimal places doesn't mean larger value. Always compare place values: 0.5 = 0.50, so 5 tenths > 4 tenths.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Are they the same numbers?

$0.1\stackrel{?}{=}0.10$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why isn't 0.49 bigger than 0.5 if it has more numbers?

The number of digits doesn't determine size! Think of it like money: 50 cents (0.5) is more than 49 cents (0.49), even though 49 has more digits. Place value matters, not digit count.

How can I make sure I'm comparing decimals correctly?

Add zeros to make the same number of decimal places: 0.5 becomes 0.50. Now compare: 50 hundredths vs 49 hundredths. It's clear that 50 > 49!

What's the easiest way to compare any two decimals?

Line them up by decimal points and add zeros if needed:

0.50
0.49

Compare digit by digit from left to right. The first different digit tells you which is larger!

Can I use fractions to compare decimals?

Yes! Convert both to fractions with the same denominator: $0.5 = \frac{50}{100}$ and $0.49 = \frac{49}{100}$ . Since 50 > 49, we know 0.5 > 0.49.

What if the explanation says 0.49 is bigger? Is that wrong?

Yes, that's incorrect! The explanation contains an error. $\frac{49}{100} < \frac{50}{100}$ , so 0.49 < 0.5. Always trust your place value comparison and double-check with the decimal point method.

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