To compare decimals, we need to consider the place value of each digit. In the case of decimals, this means considering the value of digits to the right of the decimal point.
Here, we have four decimals: 0.21, 1.32, 2.1, and 0.021.
1. Let's start by looking at the ones position:
- 0.21: The ones position is 0
- 1.32: The ones position is 1
- 2.1: The ones position is 2
- 0.021: The ones position is 0
With this level of comparison, we ascertain that 2.1 is currently the highest and both 0.21 and 0.021 are potentially the lowest.
2. Since we have tie for the lowest in the ones place, we move to the tenths decimal place:
- 0.21: The tenths position is 2
- 0.021: The tenths position is 0
Clearly, 0.021 has a lower value in the tenths place than 0.21.
3. So, arranging them in ascending order, we have 0.021 as the smallest of all four numbers.
4. After 0.021, comes 0.21. Since all the other remaining numbers have a higher value in the ones place.
5. The next digit to consider is 1 from 1.32. Although at this stage, we don't need to go on and compare the decimals for 1.32 and 2.1 because 2.1 already has a 2 at the ones place, we know that it will overflow 1.32
6. Therefore, the fourth and final number is 2.1 which is the highest of all four.
So, in ascending order, the four decimals can be sorted as: [0.021, 0.21, 1.32, 2.1].