Which is smaller ( -1.2 ) or ( -1.02 )

Correct answer: -1.2

The correct answer is -1.2. Writing both numbers to the same number of decimal places gives -1.2 = -1.20. On a number line, the more negative number lies farther to the left, so -1.20 is smaller than -1.02. The ‘both are equal’ option is incorrect because -1.20 and -1.02 have different values. Exam tip: When comparing negative decimals, first write them with equal decimal places.