🔢 MathGrade 2Lesson 4
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Compare and Order 3-Digit Numbers

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What you will learn

  • 1Compare two 3-digit numbers using >, <, and =
  • 2Sort a group of 3-digit numbers from smallest to largest
  • 3Compare hundreds first, then tens, then ones when needed
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Mini Lesson

When we compare numbers, we decide which one is bigger, which is smaller, or if they are the same — and we use special symbols to show it!

The three comparison symbols

  • > means greater than: the bigger number goes on the left. 742 > 519
  • < means less than: the smaller number goes on the left. 316 < 680
  • = means equal to: both sides are the same. 500 = 500
  • Memory trick: the open mouth of > or < always faces the bigger number.

How to compare two 3-digit numbers

  • Step 1: Compare the hundreds digits first. The number with more hundreds is greater.
  • Step 2: If hundreds are equal, compare the tens digits.
  • Step 3: If tens are also equal, compare the ones digits.
  • Example: 463 vs 481 — both have 4 hundreds, so compare tens: 6 < 8 — so 463 < 481.

Ordering numbers

  • To order numbers, compare them two at a time using the same steps.
  • Arrange from smallest to largest (ascending) or largest to smallest (descending).

Words to know

Compare

To decide which number is bigger, smaller, or equal

e.g. We compare 463 and 481 to see which is greater.

Greater than

Bigger than another number, shown with the symbol >

e.g. 742 is greater than 519, so 742 > 519.

Less than

Smaller than another number, shown with the symbol <

e.g. 316 is less than 680, so 316 < 680.

Equal to

The same as another number, shown with the symbol =

e.g. 500 is equal to 500.

Order

To arrange numbers from smallest to largest or the other way

e.g. I put 316, 463, and 519 in order from smallest to largest.

Ascending

Going from smallest to largest

e.g. The numbers are in ascending order from 316 to 742.

Greater than and less than symbol guideThree rows: 742 greater than 519 with the open symbol facing 742. 316 less than 680 with the open symbol facing 680. 500 equals 500.Comparison Symbols742>519greater than316<680less than500=500equal toThe open mouth faces thebigger number!
Three comparison examples: 742 > 519, 316 < 680, and 500 = 500, with the open symbol always facing the larger value.
Step-by-step comparison of 463 and 481Step 1: compare hundreds — both have 4, equal, move on. Step 2: compare tens — 6 vs 8, 6 is less. Result: 463 is less than 481.Compare 463 and 481Step 1: Hundreds463 has 4 hundreds 481 has 4 hundredsEqual!Step 2: Tens463 has 6 tens 481 has 8 tens6 < 8!Result:463 < 481Always start with hundreds!
A two-step comparison of 463 and 481 — hundreds are equal (both 4), so tens are compared: 6 < 8, giving 463 < 481.
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Ask yourself: "Which hundreds digit is bigger? If they match, which tens digit is bigger?"

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← Lesson 3: Understand Hundreds, Tens, and OnesLesson 5: Find Number Patterns →