Round and Compare Decimals

Decimal numbers can be compared and rounded just like whole numbers. When comparing, align the decimal points and work digit by digit from left to right. When rounding, identify the target place and look at the digit immediately to its right.

Comparing Decimals

• Align decimal points, then compare digit by digit from left to right.
• 0.6 > 0.59 — the tenths digit 6 is greater than 5, so 0.6 wins even though 0.59 has more digits.
• Use <, >, or = to record the relationship: 0.4 < 0.40 is false — they are equal (0.40 = 0.4).

Round to the Nearest Whole Number

• Look at the tenths digit (the digit right after the decimal point).
• If the tenths digit is 5 or more, round up: 2.7 → 3.
• If the tenths digit is less than 5, round down: 3.2 → 3.

Round to the Nearest Tenth

• Look at the hundredths digit (the second digit after the decimal point).
• If the hundredths digit is 5 or more, round the tenths up: 0.47 → 0.5.
• If the hundredths digit is less than 5, keep the tenths digit: 0.43 → 0.4.