Use , to compare the following decimal

(a)
(b)
(c)

Let’s compare each pair step by step.

(a) Compare 0.70 and 0.7.

• Although 0.70 has an extra zero, it represents the same number as 0.7.
 • Therefore, 0.70 = 0.7.

(b) Compare 1.08 and 1.6.

• It helps to rewrite 1.6 as 1.60.
 • Now compare digit by digit:
  – The ones place: both have 1.
  – The tenths place: both have 0.
  – The hundredths place: 8 in 1.08 versus 6 in 1.60.
 • Since 8 > 6? That might seem like 1.08 > 1.60, but remember the whole value matters.
  Actually, 1.08 means 1 + 0.08 and 1.60 means 1 + 0.60.
 • Because 0.08 < 0.60, it follows that 1.08 < 1.6.

© Compare 5.98 and 8.73.

• The ones digit in 5.98 is 5 versus 8 in 8.73.
 • Since 5 < 8, we have 5.98 < 8.73.

The table given shows:
 (a) 0.70 > 0.7
 (b) 1.08 = 1.6
 © 5.98 < 8.73

Using our reasoning, we see that:
 – (a) is incorrect because 0.70 = 0.7.
 – (b) is incorrect because 1.08 < 1.6.
 – © is correct.

For extra practice, you might fill in blanks like these:

• For an example true statement of the form □ < □, you could write 0.15 < 0.51.
 • For a true statement of the form □ > □, you might write 2.3 > 2.03.

In summary:

0.70 = 0.7
 1.08 < 1.6
 5.98 < 8.73