Lesson 2.4 · Place Value to 1,000
Comparing three-digit numbers
Which is more, 452 or 425? The digits are the same, but the numbers are not. Place value helps you tell which number is bigger.
Start with the biggest place
Hundreds are worth the most, so look at them first.
Compare place by place
- Compare the hundreds. The number with more hundreds is greater.
- If the hundreds are the same, compare the tens.
- If the tens are the same too, compare the ones.
Line the numbers up in a chart to see each place.
| Number | Hundreds | Tens | Ones |
|---|---|---|---|
| 452 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| 425 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
The hundreds are both 4. The tens are 5 and 2. 5 tens is more than 2 tens, so 452 is greater.
The symbols
Definition
Greater than, less than, equal to
- means greater than: .
- means less than: .
- means equal to: .
The open side of or always faces the bigger number.
Worked example: Different hundreds
Compare 612 and 598.
Look at the hundreds: 6 and 5. 6 hundreds is more than 5 hundreds. So . You don't need to look at the tens or ones.
Worked example: Same hundreds and tens
Compare 374 and 379.
The hundreds match (3). The tens match (7). The ones are 4 and 9. So .
Worked example: On a number line
Which is greater, 530 or 570?
Numbers get bigger as you move right. 570 is to the right of 530, so .
Common mistake
Don't compare the ones first. 198 has a big 9 and 8, but because 1 hundred is less than 2 hundreds.
Tip
Say the numbers out loud. "Six hundred twelve" and "five hundred ninety-eight" makes it easy to hear which has more hundreds.
Practice
Which symbol makes this true?
Which symbol makes this true?
Which number is greater: 536 or 563?
Type a number.
Which number is less: 409 or 490?
Type a number.
Which is true?
Which is the greatest: 912, 921 or 219?
Type a number.
Ben read 245 pages. Ana read 254 pages. Who read more?
Use the digits 3, 5 and 7 once each. What is the greatest number you can make?
Type a number.