CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.3b
The Standard
Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students line up decimal places and compare digits from left to right. They record the relationship with the correct symbol and explain which place determined the result.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly compare decimals with different numbers of digits, including values with zeros. They identify the first place with different digits and use its value to justify the comparison.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare decimals as whole numbers and claim 0.125 is greater than 0.9 because 125 is greater than 9. They may also think more decimal places make a number larger or misalign place values.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Compare 4.207 and 4.27 using a symbol, then name the first place where the digits differ and explain your choice.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give partners place value mats and digit cards; students build two decimals, compare each column, then place the correct symbol between them.
Have students explain in writing which is greater, 3.409 or 3.49, and name the first place where the digits differ.
Play Decimal War with number cards; partners reveal decimals, compare them, and keep both cards only after stating a correct reason.
Post prices and race times with three decimal places; students rank them and explain whether greater means costlier, slower, or faster.
Free download
Printable 5.NBT.A.3b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.3b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.1
Comparing decimals to thousandths requires knowing each digit’s value and how adjacent decimal places change by factors of ten.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.3a
Comparing decimals to thousandths requires knowing each digit’s place value and representing decimals accurately in standard or expanded form.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.7
Students extend decimal size reasoning, place value comparison, and inequality symbols from hundredths to include the thousandths place.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.3
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.3
Read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.4
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
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