We learned how to compare two decimals. We also learned how to compare two fractions. But can you compare a decimal and a fraction?
Yes, you can!
To compare a decimal and a fraction, you need to convert, or change, one of the numbers so that you have either two decimals or two fractions.
Remember:
A tenth (0.1) in fraction form is
.
A hundredth (0.01) in fraction form is
.
For example, three tenths (0.3) is
in fraction form, and 2.54 or two and fifty-four hundredths is 2
in fraction form.
Let's take a look at some examples.
Example 1
Let's change 0.4 to a fraction. This decimal is four tenths, so it is equal to
in fraction form.
Now, we need to compare
and
.
Let's write
as a fraction with 10 as the denominator.
Now, we can compare
and
.
Example 2
Lisa has
of a pizza and Andy has 0.5 of a pizza. Who has more pizza?
Let's change 0.5 to a fraction. This decimal is five tenths, so it is equal to
in fraction form.
Now, we need to compare
and
.
Let's write
as a fraction with 10 as the denominator.
Now, we can compare
and
.
As 6 > 5,
is greater than
.
So, Lisa has more pizza than Andy.
