Compare 2/5 and 0.45

Step by step

The question

Question: compare 2/5 and 0.45.

1 Write it as a decimal

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

A decimal is tenths, hundredths or thousandths.

5 times 2 is 10.

So we multiply the top and the bottom by 2.

4 tenths is 0.4.

So 2/5 is 0.4.

2 Same number of digits

Zeros at the end of a decimal do not change it: 0.4 is the same as 0.40.

So we give every number 2 digits after the point.

3 Compare

Now both have 2 digits after the point.

So we can forget the point and compare them like whole numbers: 40 < 45.

4 Write the answer

Now with the numbers as they were given: 2/5 < 0.45.

2/5 is less than 0.45.

5 Check

Let's check on a number line.

Smaller numbers are further to the left.

We put a dot for each number.

From left to right: 2/5, 0.45.

The same order.

So the answer is right!

Let's look back.

First: write it as a decimal.

Then: same number of digits.

Then: compare.

Then: write the answer.

Last: check.