Order -0.75, -0.7, -7/8, 0.5 from smallest to largest

Step by step

The question

Question: put −0.75, −0.7, −7/8, 0.5 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.

875 thousandths is 0.875.

The minus sign stays in front: −0.875.

2 Same number of digits

Zeros at the end of a decimal do not change it: −0.75 is the same as −0.750.

So we give every number 3 digits after the point.

3 Compare

Negative numbers are below 0.

875 > 750 > 700, so the first one is further below 0.

Further below 0 means smaller.

Careful!

0.875 is more than 0.75.

But −0.875 is further below 0, so it is smaller.

Negative numbers are smaller than every positive number.

So they come first.

4 Write the answer

Now we write the numbers as they were given, in the same order: −7/8, −0.75, −0.7, 0.5.

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: −7/8, −0.75, −0.7, 0.5.

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.