Jaiden is ordering 2.615, 2.65, 2.7, and 2.623 from least to greatest. Here are his steps:

Question

(1) Compare and order 2.7 and 2.65 because they have the fewest digits.
(2) Compare each digit of the numbers 2.615 and 2.623.
* The units digits are equal.
* The tenths digits are equal.
* 1 < 2 in the hundredths place so 2.615 < 2.623.
(3) Combine the two lists into one: 2.7, 2.65, 2.615, 2.623.

Which statement describes Jaiden’s error?
Jaiden listed the numbers from greatest to least.
Jaiden should have compared the two numbers with the most digits first.
Jaiden should have added zeroes to each of the shorter decimals to get 2.615, 2.065, 2.007, and 2.623. Then, he should have compared all of them using place value.
Jaiden should have added zeroes to the ends of the shorter decimals to get 2.615, 2.650, 2.700, and 2.623. Then, he should have compared all of them using place value.

Answer 1

Jaiden made an error in ordering the numbers, and the correct statement that describes his error is:

Jaiden should have added zeroes to the ends of the shorter decimals to get 2.615, 2.650, 2.700, and 2.623. Then, he should have compared all of them using place value.

This approach would allow for a direct comparison based on the same number of decimal places. By ensuring all numbers are represented with the same number of digits after the decimal point, Jaiden could have accurately ordered them from least to greatest.