Compare 1/3 and 0.333...

Step by step

The question

Question: compare 1/3 and 0.333….

1 Write it as a decimal

To compare, we write every number the same way: as a decimal.

The bottom 3 does not go into 10, 100 or 1000.

So we divide: 1 divided by 3, one digit at a time.

10 divided by 3 is 3, with 1 left.

1 left again: the 3 repeats for ever.

So 1/3 is 0.333….

2 Compare

Now both have 3 digits after the point.

So we can forget the point and compare them like whole numbers: 333 = 333.

3 Write the answer

They are the same number: 1/3 = 0.333….

Neither one is bigger.

4 Check

Let's check on a number line.

Smaller numbers are further to the left.

We put a dot for each number.

Both land on the same place: 0.333….

So they are the same number.

The answer is right!

Let's look back.

First: write it as a decimal.

Then: compare.

Then: write the answer.

Last: check.