Two runners each ran part of a lap: one ran 0.6 of the lap, the other ran 0.45 of the lap. Who ran further?

Each pair of decimals is shown as markers on the same number line. Take the pairs one at a time and look at which marker sits further to the right: that one is the bigger number. Notice what is true when a number looks longer or has an extra zero.

Today we work through these pairs together, one pair at a time on the board, dragging both markers onto the same line and reading which one sits further right: 0.32 and 0.4, then 0.08 and 0.8, then 0.65 and 0.6, then 0.9 and 0.90. Each pair comes up in turn, so watch the board for the next one. That last pair is the one to watch. Before each reveal, predict out loud which marker will land further right.