Order -0.3, 0.2, -1/2 from smallest to largest Step by Step

Step by step

The question

Question: put −0.3, 0.2, −1/2 in order, from smallest to largest.

−0.3, 0.2, −12

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.

2 times 5 is 10.

So we multiply the top and the bottom by 5.

5 tenths is 0.5.

The minus sign stays in front: −0.5.

= −12 = −1 × 52 × 5 = −510 = −0.5

2 Compare

Negative numbers are below 0.

5 > 3, so −0.5 is further below 0.

Further below 0 means smaller.

= −0.5 < −0.3

5 > 3: further below 0

Careful!

0.5 is more than 0.3.

But −0.5 is further below 0, so it is smaller.

Careful: not −0.5 > −0.3 ✗

Negative numbers are smaller than every positive number.

So they come first.

= −0.5 < −0.3 < 0.2

3 Write the answer

Now we write the numbers as they were given, in the same order: −1/2, −0.3, 0.2.

= −12 < −0.3 < 0.2

4 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: −1/2, −0.3, 0.2.

The same order.

So the answer is right!

left to right: same order

Let's look back.

First: write each as a decimal.

Then: compare.

Then: write the answer.

Last: check.

Answer