Math Lesson Plan: Comparing Decimals

Lesson Opening

1. Do a quick review on what a decimal is and how to convert it to a fraction. Remind them what to call the decimal, how the decimal is pronounced "and" and how all decimals have a fractional equivalent.

Guided Practice

1. How do you tell which number is bigger, 5246 or 5249? Easy, you look at the first digit, then the second, then the third and finally the last. Decimals are very similar except for one thing. You can add as many zeroes on to the end of the number and it doesn't change a thing.

1. Make sure you understand this concept because it counterintuitive. That means that .5 is equal to .500 is equal to .50000.

1. However, if you put zeroes after the decimal place, but before the other digit, you do change the number. For instance, .05 is different than .5 or .005

1. This is the exact opposite of the way it is for whole numbers. Make sure you understand this concept. Take a look at the examples carefully.

Independent Practice

1. Have the children complete a quick worksheet where they have to know how to represent a fraction and a decimal pictorially. Tell them that to pay attention because soon they will have to compare three decimals or fractions.

Closing

1. Ask students to share their answers.