Comparing & Ordering Numbers
What You’ll Learn
Section titled “What You’ll Learn”In this lesson you’ll learn how to compare two or more numbers and put them in order from least to greatest or greatest to least.
The Concept
Section titled “The Concept”Comparing numbers uses symbols:
- > means greater than (bigger)
- < means less than (smaller)
- = means equal
To compare: Line up digits by place value (right-align), compare from left to right.
Example: 456 and 432
- Hundreds: 4 = 4
- Tens: 5 > 3 → 456 > 432
If same up to a point: 567 and 569 → 567 < 569 (7 < 9)
Ordering: List from smallest to largest (least to greatest) or largest to smallest.
Example: Order 23, 18, 45, 9 Least to greatest: 9, 18, 23, 45
Worked Example
Section titled “Worked Example”Compare 378 and 392.
- Hundreds: 3 = 3
- Tens: 7 < 9 → 378 < 392
Order 512, 489, 500, 475:
- Hundreds: 4 (489, 475), 5 (512, 500)
- Among 5xx: 500 < 512
- Among 4xx: 475 < 489
- Least to greatest: 475, 489, 500, 512
Real-World Application
Section titled “Real-World Application”Comparing and ordering numbers helps daily:
- Prices: Which is cheaper, 12.99 dollars or 13.49 dollars? (12.99 < 13.49)
- Temperatures: Today 68°F, yesterday 72°F. Yesterday was warmer (72 > 68)
- Scores: Your test 85, friend’s 92. Friend scored higher (92 > 85)
- Addresses: House numbers in order on a street (124, 126, 128…)
This skill helps you choose, compare, or organize things quickly.