Lesson Plan

Compare two decimals to hundredths using place-value reasoning -- comparing the tenths digit first, then the hundredths digit -- and record the result using >, =, or <

Explain why a comparison between two decimals is valid only when both decimals refer to the same whole

Use visual models (10x10 grids and number lines) to justify a decimal comparison, showing that the model makes the relative size of each decimal visible

Recognize that trailing zeros do not change a decimal's value (0.5 = 0.50) and use this equivalence to compare a tenths decimal with a hundredths decimal

Avoid the whole-number thinking error -- correctly reasoning that 0.9 > 0.12 even though 9 < 12 -- by attending to place value rather than digit count

4.NF.C.7

4.NF.C.7: Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual model.