Pre-Algebra Demystified

CHAPTER 5 Decimals 91

EXAMPLE

Divide 18 by 0.375.

SOLUTION

0 : 375 Þ 18

Move the point three places to the right after annexing three zeros:

48

375 Þ 18000 :

1500

3000

3000

0

PRACTICE

1. 113.4 6


2. 24.486 33


3. 1.159380.54


4. 9.54.75


5. 0.0224 28

ANSWERS

1. 18.9


2. 0.742


3. 2.147


4. 2


5. 0.0008

Comparing Decimals

To compare two or more decimals, place the numbers in a vertical column
with the decimal points in a straight line with each other. Add zeros to the
ends of the decimals so that they all have the same number of decimal places.
Then compare the numbers, ignoring the decimal points.

EXAMPLE
Which is larger, 0.43 or 0.561?

SOLUTION

0 : 43

!

0 : 430

!

430

0 : 561 0 : 561 561

Since 561 is larger than 430, 0.561 is larger than 0.43.