Compare the decimals: 0.009 ? 0.01

Problem restatement
Decide the correct comparison symbol between 0.009 and 0.01.

Concept/Approach
Pad decimals to the same number of places and compare digit by digit.

Step-by-Step comparison
0.009 = 0.0090 0.01 = 0.0100 Compare thousandths: 9 < 10 (i.e., 0.0090 < 0.0100)

Verification/Alternative
As fractions: 0.009 = 9/1000; 0.01 = 1/100 = 10/1000 ⇒ 9/1000 < 10/1000.

Common pitfalls

• Thinking more digits means a larger number; value depends on place value, not digit count.

Final Answer
0.009 < 0.01