Which is bigger, -3/4 or -0.7 Step by Step

Step by step

The question

Question: which is bigger, −3/4 or −0.7?

−34 or −0.7

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.

4 times 25 is 100.

So we multiply the top and the bottom by 25.

75 hundredths is 0.75.

The minus sign stays in front: −0.75.

= −34 = −3 × 254 × 25 = −75100 = −0.75

2 Same number of digits

Zeros at the end of a decimal do not change it: −0.7 is the same as −0.70.

So we give every number 2 digits after the point.

= −0.75, −0.70

3 Compare

Negative numbers are below 0.

75 > 70, so −0.75 is further below 0.

Further below 0 means smaller.

= −0.75 < −0.70

75 > 70: further below 0

Careful!

0.75 is more than 0.7.

But −0.75 is further below 0, so it is smaller.

Careful: not −0.75 > −0.7 ✗

4 Write the answer

Now with the numbers as they were given: −3/4 < −0.7.

So −0.7 is bigger.

= −34 < −0.7

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: −3/4, −0.7.

The same order.

So the answer is right!

left to right: same order

Let's look back.

First: write it as a decimal.

Then: same number of digits.

Then: compare.

Then: write the answer.

Last: check.

Answer