Max Maths, Year 5, Learn together, Ordering decimals

In the Max Maths Year 5 curriculum, students learn about ordering decimals by comparing their value. The lesson begins with a simple question: which decimal number is smaller between 3.026 and 3.107? To find the answer, students are taught to check each digit starting from the highest place value, which is the whole number part, and then move to the lower place values. Both numbers have the same whole number part, which is 3. When comparing the tenths place, 3.026 has 0 tenths while 3.107 has 1 tenth, therefore establishing that 3.026 is the smaller number.

The lesson continues with another comparison, this time asking which decimal number is greater between 12.316 and 12.311. The process is the same: students examine the digits from the highest to the lowest place value. The whole number parts are identical, with 1 ten and 2 ones. The tenths and hundredths places are also the same, with both numbers having 3 tenths and 1 hundredth. The difference only becomes apparent at the thousandths place, where 12.316 has 6 thousandths compared to 12.311's 1 thousandth. Consequently, it is concluded that 12.316 is the greater number. This methodical approach helps students understand the importance of place value in determining the size of decimal numbers.