Like & Unlike Decimals + Comparing & Ordering of Decimals

Decimals are numbers that have a whole number part and a fractional part, separated by a decimal point. For example, in the number 3.45, "3" is the whole number part, and ".45" is the fractional part.

In this article, kids will learn about like and unlike decimals, as well as the method for converting unlike decimals into like decimals.

Furthermore, Like & unlike Decimals examples are explained : 

1. Like Decimals

Like decimals are decimals that have the same number of decimal places. This makes them easier to compare and perform operations with.

Like decimals example:

• 1.25, 2.34, 5.67 (all have two decimal places)

• 3.456, 7.123, 9.789 (all have three decimal places)

Why Are They Called "Like" Decimals? They are called "like" because they align neatly when lined up, making comparison and calculation simple.

2. Unlike Decimals

Unlike decimals are decimals that do not have the same number of decimal places. These decimals might require adjustments, like adding zeros to make them easier to compare or add.

Examples of Unlike Decimals:

• 2.4, 1.56, 7.123

• 0.5, 3.78, 10.03

How to Work with Unlike Decimals: To work with unlike decimals, you can add zeros to the end of the shorter decimals so they have the same number of decimal places. For example, you can change 2.4 to 2.400 to compare it with 1.560 and 7.123.

That’s how like and unlike decimals work.

 

Practice Questions : 

Q1. Convert the following decimals to like decimals: 5.3, 2.45, 7.8, and 0.67.

Ans: 5.300, 2.450, 7.800, and 0.670.

Q2. Compare the following decimals:

2.45 or 2.5

Ans: 2.5

Q3. Change the following unlike decimals into like decimals: 3.1, 15.789, 2.4, and 0.56.

Ans: 3.1000, 15.7890, 2.4000, and 0.5600.

Q4. Identify and separate the following as like and unlike decimals:

6.2, 3.78, 4.05, 12.345, and 0.9.

Ans:

• Like Decimals:

  • With one decimal place: 6.2 and 0.9.

  • With two decimal places: 3.78 and 4.05.

   

• Unlike Decimals:

  • 6.2, 3.78, 4.05, 12.345, and 0.9.

   

 

 

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Ordering Decimals

 

 

Ordering decimals means arranging them from smallest to largest (ascending) or from largest to smallest (descending). Here's how you can do it:

1. Make Sure All Decimals Have the Same Number of Decimal Places: If the decimals are unlike, adjust them by adding zeros so they match in decimal places.
   Example: To order 3.4, 2.35, and 3.456, rewrite them as:

2. 3.400, 2.350, 3.456

3. Compare the Whole Number Parts: Start by comparing the whole number part of each decimal. The smallest whole number is the smallest decimal.
   Example: In 2.350, 3.400, and 3.456, the smallest whole number is 2.

4. Comparing Decimal Parts if Whole Numbers Are the Same: If two or more decimals have the same whole number part, compare the digits after the decimal point from left to right.
   
   

Example: To order 3.45, 3.456, and 3.4:

 

• Rewrite as 3.450, 3.456, and 3.400

• Compare the numbers digit by digit:

  • 3.400 < 3.450 < 3.456

   

Practice Examples:

 

• Order these decimals from smallest to largest: 4.2, 4.156, 4.18

  • Rewrite as 4.200, 4.156, 4.180

  • Answer: 4.156, 4.18, 4.2

   

• Order these decimals from largest to smallest: 1.25, 1.3, 1.205

  • Rewrite as 1.250, 1.300, 1.205

  • Answer: 1.3, 1.25, 1.205

   

 

FAQs : 

1. What are like and unlike decimals?

Like decimals are decimals that have the same number of decimal places. For example, 2.30 and 3.45 are like decimals because both have two decimal places. Unlike decimals have a different number of decimal places. For instance, 2.3 and 2.345 are unlike decimals because one has one decimal place and the other has three.

2. Can you give examples of like decimals?

Yes, here are some like decimals examples: 1.25, 2.75, and 3.10. All these decimals have two places after the decimal point, making them like decimals.

3. How do you convert unlike decimals to like decimals?

To convert unlike decimals to like decimals, you need to add zeroes to the end of the decimals to make them have the same number of decimal places. For example, to convert 2.3 and 2.345 into like decimals, you can write them as 2.300 and 2.345.

4. How do you order decimals from least to greatest?

When ordering decimals from least to greatest, first convert them to like decimals if needed. Then compare the numbers digit by digit from left to right. For example, to order 2.3, 2.35, and 2.305, convert them to 2.300, 2.350, and 2.305, then arrange them as 2.300, 2.305, 2.350.

5. Are 2.30 and 2.03 like decimals?

Yes, 2.30 and 2.03 are like decimals because they both have two decimal places. However, even though they are like decimals, they represent different values.

6. What are some examples of comparing decimals?

Comparing decimals involves looking at the digits from left to right. For instance, to compare 1.45 and 1.456, you first look at the whole number part (1 and 1 are equal), then the tenths place (4 and 4 are equal), and finally, the hundredths place (5 vs. 5). Since 1.456 has an extra digit in the thousandths place, it is greater.

Quizz

 

Part 1: Like and Unlike Decimals

Question 1: Multiple Choice Which of the following pairs are like decimals?

 

• A) 3.45 and 2.1

• B) 4.56 and 7.89

• C) 5.3 and 6.456

• D) 1.234 and 3.2

 

Question 2: True or False Decimals 2.7 and 5.78 are like decimals.

 

• True

• False

 

Question 3: Fill in the Blank Decimals that have the __________ number of decimal places are called like decimals.

 

 

Part 2: Convert Unlike Decimals to Like Decimals

Question 4: Matching Question Match each decimal to its like decimal equivalent:

 

• A) 4.5 → (1) 4.500

• B) 7.23 → (2) 7.230

• C) 1.456 → (3) 1.456 (already like)

 

Question 5:  Convert 3.2 and 5.67 into like decimals.

 

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Part 3: Ordering Decimals

Question 6: Ordering Challenge Order the following decimals from smallest to largest: 3.67, 3.6, 3.607, 3.76

Answer Key: 3.6, 3.607, 3.67, 3.76

Question 7: Drag and Drop (Interactive) Drag these decimals into the correct order from least to greatest: 1.45, 1.405, 1.5, 1.4

Answer Key: 1.4, 1.405, 1.45, 1.5

Question 8: Word Problem Sam has scores of 3.56, 3.45, and 3.467 in his math tests. What is the order of his scores from highest to lowest?

Answer Key: 3.56, 3.467, 3.45

 

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Part 4: Challenge Questions

Question 9: Critical Thinking If 2.45, 2.450, and 2.405 are written on the board, how would you explain which one is the smallest and why?

Expected Student Response: 2.405 is the smallest because it has the lowest value when compared place by place.

Question 10: Create Your Own Write two unlike decimals and then convert them into like decimals.

Sample Response: 4.1 and 4.56 → 4.10 and 4.56

Practice Worksheets

Click the link below for practice worksheets

Easy Level Worksheets

Intermediate Level Worksheets

Advance Level Worksheets