Like ordering numbers, we compare from left to right.

Example 1: Least to greatest

Order the numbers from least to greatest.
0.451; 0.2433; 0.8034 < <

First, compare the tenths place: 0.451; 0.2433; 0.8034
2 is less than both 4 and 8, so 0.2433 is the smallest number.
4 is less than 8, so 0.451 is less than 0.8034.
This means that 0.8034 is the greatest number.

< <

Example 2: Greatest to least

Order the numbers from greatest to least.
3.632; 3.383; 3.614 > >

First, compare the ones place: 3.632; 3.383; 3.614
The digit in the ones place for all three decimal number is 3.
So, move on to the next digit.

Next, compare the tenths place: 3.632; 3.383; 3.614
3 is less than 6, so 3.383 is the smallest number.

Next, compare the hundredths place for 3.632 and 3.614: 3.632; 3.614
3 is greater than 1, so 3.632 is greater than 3.614.
This also means that 3.632 is the greatest number.

> >