In order for us to know which of the given numbers is greater, we can use a number line.
A number line helps us compare numbers. On a number line, values increase in order from left to right. For example, the numbers 547 and 485,
547 is to the right of 485 so Chiara's score is higher than Ava. To write this in a mathematical expression we use inequality symbols > for greater than and < for less than. Therefore 547 > 485 or that 485 < 547. Another way to compare numbers is to compare them digit by digit starting from the left until the digits differ. For example, the numbers 521,670 and 521,619
| same | differ | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 0 | |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 9 | |
Since 7 > 1 then 521,670 > 521,619. Likewise, we can write it as 521,619 < 521,670.
If the digits have the same place value then the number with the larger digit is greater. If the first digits are the same, we look at the second digits and so on.
For example, numbers 641 and 648 are both in the hundreds group. Their first and second digits from the left are the same but their last digit is not. Since 8 is greater than 1 then we can write it as 648 > 641.
Try the following:
I. Which is larger,
a. 2,607 or 2,067?
b. 43,700 or 43,087?
c. 278,981 or 287,000?
II. Arrange in decreasing order (largest first)
d. 2,013; 2,103; 2,301; 2,301
III. Arrange in increasing order (smallest first)
e. 16,140; 16,041; 16,114; 16,401
IV. Write < or > in between.
f. 471 __ 482
g. 7,359 __ 7,350
h. 2,485 __ 2,892
