Which is smaller, 3 1/2 or 3.4

Step by step

The question

Question: which is smaller, 3 and 1/2 or 3.4?

1 Write it as a decimal

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

3 and 1/2 means 3 plus 1/2.

2 times 5 is 10, so we multiply the top and the bottom by 5.

1/2 is 5 tenths: 0.5.

So 3 and 1/2 is 3.5.

Careful!

The 1 and the 2 are a fraction, not digits after the point.

1/2 is 0.5.

2 Compare

Now both have 1 digit after the point.

So we can forget the point and compare them like whole numbers: 34 < 35.

3 Write the answer

Now with the numbers as they were given: 3.4 < 3 and 1/2.

So 3.4 is smaller.

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: 3.4, 3 and 1/2.

The same order.

So the answer is right!

Let's look back.

First: write it as a decimal.

Then: compare.

Then: write the answer.

Last: check.