How to Compare Numbers

      To compare numbers, use the comparison symbols >, <, and =.

Tip: to compare numbers means to show which is bigger.

348 is bigger than 236.

So we can use the "greater than" symbol.

Comparing Numbers with Different Numbers of Digits

      If two numbers have a different number of digits, the number with more digits is bigger.

Take a look:

Which number has more digits? 🤔

1,463,217 has more digits, 7. It's the bigger number. 👍

Great work! 🎊

Comparing Numbers with the Same Number of Digits

If the numbers have the same number of digits, follow these steps:

Step 1: Look for a place value where the digits are different, starting from the highest place value.

Step 2: Compare the value of that digit. 

Let's give it a try!

Compare the numbers 3,245,980 and 3,254,980.

First, count the digits in each number.

Both numbers have 7 digits.

So we need to compare the value of each digit.

We start comparing the largest digits first.

These are the same.

So we move on to the next place value.

The Hundred Thousands place digits are the same, too!

So we go on to the next place value.

Now we see digits that are different. 🧐

4 is less than 5.

This means 3,245,980 is LESS THAN 3,254,980. ✅ 

Fantastic! 😀 We don't need to compare the rest of the digits.

Another Example

Compare the numbers 7,506,023 and 7,506,203.

Both numbers have 7 digits.

So we need to compare each digit.

Let's use a place value table to easily compare. 👇

The largest place value where the digits are different is in the Hundreds place.

0 is less than 2. ✅

This means that 7,506,023 is LESS THAN 7,506,203.

Excellent!

Comparing Even Bigger Numbers

Which number is larger, 4,210,506,023 or 4,210,203?

Let's count the number of digits in each number.

The first number has 10 digits.

The second number has 7 digits.

This means the first number is greater.

Great job learning to compare large numbers. 🎉

Now, start the practice. You'll learn more and remember for longer. 💪