Which of these numbers is the smallest? 0.8, 8.8, 0.88, 88.0, 8.08.

First notice that two numbers have 0 before the decimal point. Conclude to ignore the rest. Then compare the remaining two by adding a zero to the end of 0.8 thus making 0.80. Now compare 0.80 with 0.88 and determine which value is smallest. Additional exercise is to order the numbers from smallest to biggest: 0.8, 0.88, 8.08, 8.8, 88.0. And ask the student to explain why 8.08 is smaller than 8.8.