Education Technology


Comparing Decimals---Wider isn't Always Larger

Activity Overview

In this activity, students learn to compare and order decimals. They learn to measure decimals by using the Number Line application.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • If you do not have the Number Line App installed, click the link at the right to download and install.
  • Print pages 41 - 45 from the attached PDF file for your class.
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Run the NUMLINE application on the calculator
  • Enter two decimal numbers with a difference of 0.1 and observe the numbers on the number line
  • Observe that the larger of the two numbers is to the right of the smaller number
  • Similarly compare two more decimal numbers with a smaller difference between them
  • After the Activity

    Students will collect data and analyze the results.

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary