Compare decimals to thousandths
Knowing which of two decimals is bigger gives your child a real feel for numbers with a decimal point. Comparing is how you pick the cheaper box, the faster lap, or the heavier bag of apples. It is the base for rounding decimals later this year, and for ordering positive and negative numbers in 6th grade.
In this video, your child will learn to compare decimals to thousandths.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
0.6 ? 0.60
Example 2
0.45 ? 0.405
Your child's turn
7.203 ? 7.23
The three key steps
- 1Line up the points.
- 2Fill empty places with zeros.
- 3Compare from the greatest place.
Mistakes to listen for
- Thinking the decimal with more digits is larger, so 0.125 seems greater than 0.5 because 125 is greater than 5.
- Deciding the shorter decimal is always larger, so 0.3 seems greater than 0.35 because tenths are bigger than hundredths.
- Missing that zeros at the end change nothing, so they say 0.4 and 0.400 are different instead of equal.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to comparing decimals to thousandths →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 5th grade Numbers & Place Value, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice comparing decimals to thousandths, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to comparing decimals to thousandths has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice comparing decimals to thousandths
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on comparing decimals to thousandths and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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