Idea 9of 23Builds onMore digits means a greater number
Compare from the biggest place
How do you compare two numbers with the same number of digits?
Today you'll discover
- where to start comparing
- which place decides
- how to write > and <
Think first47 382 and 47 829
Both have 5 digits. Which number is greater?
Decide first, then press Next. Move left to right until two digits differ.
A grid with columns for ten thousands to ones holding 47 382 above 47 829. Notes say 5 digits each; the word same appears under the ten thousands and thousands, and the hundreds column is outlined as the one that decides. A line reads 47 382 < 47 829. The last step compares 60 509 and 60 095.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
Start at the biggest place: the first place where the digits differ decides.
For exampleHockey crowds: 18 734 on Friday, 18 763 on Saturday. The 18 thousands and 7 hundreds match; 6 tens beat 3 tens, so Saturday's crowd was bigger.
Key words
- greater-than sign
- > : the number on its open side is greater, as in 60 509 > 60 095
- less-than sign
- < : the number at its point is less, as in 47 382 < 47 829
Ready to use it?
- Compare two numbers with > or <.