How to Compare Numbers

      We compare two numbers to see which is bigger or smaller.

In 1st Grade, you learned how to compare small numbers with >, <, and =.

6 > 2
6 is greater than 2

9 < 10
9 is less than 10

4 = 4
4 equals 4

Now, let's learn to compare bigger numbers! 🤗

How to Compare Large Numbers

First, we'll explain the steps, then walk through some examples.

Step 1: Compare the digits at the highest place value. The number with the larger digit is greater.

Tip: The highest place values are always on the left (👈).

If the highest place value digits are equal, continue to step 2:

Step 2: Compare the digits at the next highest place value (one digit to the right 👉).

If they're equal, repeat step 2.

Let's try comparing some numbers using these steps! We'll walk through five examples. 🏄‍♀️

Example 1

Which is greater, 239 or 525?

First, compare the digits at the highest place value.

2 is less than 5.

So, 239 is less than 525.

239 < 525

Tip: We don't need to compare the smaller digits.

Great job! 👏

Example 2

Compare 6,373 and 4,175.

Start with the digits at the highest place value, and compare them.

6 is greater than 4.

So, 6,373 is greater than 4,175.

6,373 > 4,175

Nice work! 🎉

Example 3

Compare 387 and 332.

Start with the digits at the highest place value, and compare them.

Both digits are equal.

So we compare the digits at the next highest place value (one digit to the right 👉).

This time the digits are different.

8 is greater than 3.

So, 387 is greater than 332.

387 > 332

Awesome. Two more examples to go!

Example 4

Compare 693 and 693.

First, compare the digits at the highest place value.

They're equal.

So, we move one place to the right (👉) and compare the Tens digits.

They're equal too.

So we move one place to the right (👉) and compare these digits.

These digits are equal too.

All digits in the numbers are equal.

So, 693 is equal to 693.

693 = 693

Final Example

Compare 1,481 and 1,489.

Do you remember the steps?

Start by comparing the digits in the largest place.

They're equal.

So keep comparing the smaller digits.

They're equal too.

Let's check the Tens.

They're equal as well.

Wow, these numbers are almost the same.

Let's compare the Ones digits.

1 is less than 9.

So 1,481 is less than 1,489.

1,481 < 1,489

You got it! 😺 Next, complete the practice.