Grade 5 › G5U01 Place Value

Grade 5 › G5U01 Place Value › L3
GRADE 5 · ALBERTAOUTCOME AB-G5-5N1

L3 · Comparing and ordering numbers, including decimals

Learning goal

“I can compare and order whole numbers and decimals using place value and the signs <, > and =, annex zeros to line decimals up, and find a decimal number between any two decimal numbers.”

Compare — to examine 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).
Inequality — a statement using < (less than) or > (greater than), e.g. 4.65 < 4.70.
Benchmark — a familiar number used as a measuring stick; 0.5 is the benchmark halfway between 0 and 1.
Worked example

Compare 4,508,316 and 4,508,361. Step 1 (count digits): both have 7 digits, so neither wins on size alone. Step 2 (walk the places): millions 4 = 4; hundred-thousands 5 = 5; ten-thousands 0 = 0; thousands 8 = 8; hundreds 3 = 3; tens: 1 vs 6 - first difference. 1 ten < 6 tens. Step 3 (conclude): 4,508,316 < 4,508,361. Everything after the first difference is irrelevant - the ones digits (6 vs 1) never get a vote.

Check yourself — explain it

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

Paired problem — example still visible

Compare 7,230,845 ___ 7,230,854 -> < (tens: 4 < 5)

Faded completion — last step is yours

"916,402 and 916,420 agree until the tens place: 0 vs 2, so 916,402 ___ 916,420" -> <

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