Skill: comparing-numbers
Comparing & Ordering Numbers
Compare whole numbers with <, >, = and order them like a pro.
1 Count the digits first
More digits usually means a bigger number. 101 has three digits and 99 has two — so 101 is bigger, even though 9 looks “big”.
First count the digits. If the counts match, compare the leftmost place where the digits differ.
99 < 101. Three digits beats two digits.
2 Same digits? Go left to right
When both numbers have the same digits, start at the biggest place and move right until the digits differ.
456 vs 465: hundreds match (4 = 4), tens differ (5 < 6), so 456 < 465. You can stop there.
707 vs 699: 7 hundreds beats 6 hundreds, so 707 > 699.
3 The symbols <, >, =
The open mouth always eats the bigger number: 5 > 3. The pointed end hugs the smaller number: 3 < 5.
38 < 83. The point touches 38, the mouth opens to 83.
4 Ordering three or more numbers
Order least to greatest by comparing two at a time: find the smallest first, then the next.
512, 98, 521: the smallest is 98 (two digits), then 512 < 521, so the order is 98, 512, 521.
5 Common mistakes
Two classic comparing traps.
Wrong: 99 > 101.
Right: count digits first — 101 has three digits, so 99 < 101.
Wrong: 45 > 54.
Right: the open mouth eats the bigger number: 45 < 54.
6 Quick checks
Try these yourself, then reveal the answer.
7 Key points and vocabulary
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Greater than (>) | Bigger. The mouth opens to the bigger number. |
| Less than (<) | Smaller. The point touches the smaller number. |
| Equal (=) | The same value. |
| Compare | Deciding which number is bigger using <, >, =. |
| Order | Arranging numbers least to greatest (or reverse). |
Remember
- Count digits first — more digits usually wins.
- Same digits? Compare the leftmost differing place.
- The mouth eats the bigger number: 8 > 5.
- Order by finding the smallest first, then the next.