Lesson 2.3 · Comparing Numbers
Putting numbers in order
Now you can compare two numbers. What about three or four numbers? You can line them up in order, from the smallest to the biggest.
Smallest to greatest
To put numbers in order, find the smallest number first. Then the next one. Keep going until you reach the greatest.
Your counting words help. The number you say first goes first.
Order from least to greatest
Least to greatest means start with the smallest number and end with the biggest.
2, 5, 8 is in order from least to greatest.
Before, after and between
- The number just after 4 is 5. It is 1 more.
- The number just before 4 is 3. It is 1 less.
- The number between 3 and 5 is 4.
Look at the number line. The dots on 2, 5 and 8 go from left to right, from least to greatest.
Worked example: Order three numbers
Put these in order from least to greatest: 6, 1, 4.
Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Say them in the order you hear them. The order is 1, 4, 6.
Worked example: Order groups
Put these groups in order from fewest to most.
A: 🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓
B: 🍓 🍓
C: 🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓 🍓
Count each group. A has 5, B has 2, C has 8. From fewest to most: B, A, C.
Worked example: What goes between?
What number goes between 7 and 9?
Count: 7, 8, 9. The number between is 8.
Common mistake
Don't skip a number when you look for "just after." The number just after 6 is 7, not 8.
Practice
What number comes just after 4?
Type a number.
What number comes just before 7?
Type a number.
What number goes between 2 and 4?
Type a number.
Which list is in order from least to greatest?
Put these numbers in order from least to greatest: 10, 2, 6.
Separate answers with commas, e.g. 2, -5
Put these groups in order from fewest to most. Which order is right?
A: 🐤 🐤 🐤 🐤
B: 🐤 🐤 🐤 🐤 🐤 🐤 🐤
C: 🐤
Put these numbers in order from least to greatest: 7, 0, 8, 3.
Separate answers with commas, e.g. 2, -5