L5 · Comparing and ordering numbers (<, >, =)

Learning goal

“I can compare and order numbers to 100,000 place by place, and write the comparison with <, > or =. More digits always means a bigger whole number.”

Compare — to look at two numbers place by place to decide which is greater, which is less, or whether they are equal.

Order — to arrange three or more numbers from least to greatest (or greatest to least).

Less than (<) — the sign that points at the smaller number: 40,090 < 40,900.

Greater than (>) — the sign that opens toward the bigger number: 40,900 > 40,090.

Worked example

Compare 56,483 and 56,438. Step 1 (count digits): both have 5 digits, so neither wins on size alone. Step 2 (walk the places): ten-thousands 5 = 5; thousands 6 = 6; hundreds 4 = 4; tens: 8 vs 3 — first difference. 8 tens > 3 tens. Step 3 (conclude): 56,483 > 56,438. Everything after the first difference does not matter — the ones digits (3 vs 8) never get a vote.

Check yourself — explain it

Once the tens place differs, we stop comparing because...

Paired problem — example still visible

Compare: 29,705 ___ 29,750 -> < (hundreds 7 = 7; tens: 0 < 5)

Faded completion — last step is yours

"83,216 and 83,261 agree until the tens place: 1 vs 6, so 83,216 ___ 83,261" -> <

Ready to practise?

10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.

Start practice →Take the unit quiz