Comparing and ordering numbers

Comparing and ordering numbers is a fundamental skill in mathematics. It involves determining which number is greater or smaller than another.

Here's a simple way to compare numbers:

1. Look at the number of digits: The number with more digits is generally larger. For example, 456 is larger than 34.

2. If the numbers have the same number of digits, compare the digits from left to right: Start with the leftmost digit. The number with the larger digit in this position is larger. For example, 523 is larger than 489 because 5 is larger than 4.

3. If the leftmost digits are the same, compare the next digit to the right, and so on. For example, 345 and 347 have the same leftmost digit (3). However, 7 is larger than 5, so 347 is larger than 345.

Ordering numbers means arranging them from smallest to largest or largest to smallest. To order numbers, you can compare them two at a time using the steps above.

Here's an example of ordering numbers:

Order the following numbers from smallest to largest: 23, 56, 12, 45.

1. Compare 23 and 56: 23 is smaller than 56.

2. Compare 12 and 45: 12 is smaller than 45.

3. Compare the smallest numbers from each pair: 12 is smaller than 23.

4. Order the numbers: 12, 23, 45, 56.

Practice tips:

• Use a number line to visualize the order of numbers.

• Practice comparing and ordering numbers regularly.

• Use real-world examples to make it more fun, like comparing ages or heights.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can become proficient at comparing and ordering numbers.