Order 3/8, 0.4, 0.35 from smallest to largest

Step by step

The question

Question: put 3/8, 0.4, 0.35 in order, from smallest to largest.

1 Write each as a decimal

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

A decimal is tenths, hundredths or thousandths.

8 times 125 is 1000.

So we multiply the top and the bottom by 125.

375 thousandths is 0.375.

So 3/8 is 0.375.

2 Same number of digits

Zeros at the end of a decimal do not change it: 0.4 is the same as 0.400.

So we give every number 3 digits after the point.

3 Compare

Now they all have 3 digits after the point.

So we can forget the point and compare them like whole numbers: 350 < 375 < 400.

Careful!

More digits does not mean bigger.

Compare 0.350 with 0.400.

4 Write the answer

Now we write the numbers as they were given, in the same order: 0.35, 3/8, 0.4.

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: 0.35, 3/8, 0.4.

The same order.

So the answer is right!

Let's look back.

First: write each as a decimal.

Then: same number of digits.

Then: compare.

Then: write the answer.

Last: check.