A student creates this comparison statement: 1.512 > 1.58.

Question

Is the statement true or false, and why?

A.
It is true. A four-digit number is always greater than a three-digit number.
B.
It is true. 512 is greater than 58.
C.
It is false. The 8 in the hundredths place of 1.58 is greater than the 1 in the hundredths place of 1.512.
D.
It is false. The last digit of 1.58 is greater than the last digit of 1.512.

Answer 1

The statement "1.512 > 1.58" is false.

The correct explanation is C: "It is false. The 8 in the hundredths place of 1.58 is greater than the 1 in the hundredths place of 1.512."

To compare the two numbers, we can look at their decimal places:

1.512 can be broken down as:

• 1 (whole number)
• 5 (tenths place)
• 1 (hundredths place)
• 2 (thousandths place)

1.58 can be broken down as:

• 1 (whole number)
• 5 (tenths place)
• 8 (hundredths place)

When comparing the hundredths place, 8 in 1.58 is greater than 1 in 1.512. Thus, 1.58 is greater than 1.512.