Comparing Numbers by Hannah Brickey

Learning Objective

hgrace2031 — 2025-09-03 17:05:32 UTC

Learning Objective: Comparison

Students use place value understanding to compare numbers.

Standard Number and Description: 2.NPV.5

Compare two three-digit numbers using symbols (<, =, >) based on the value of hundreds, tens, and ones in the given numbers.

hgrace2031 — 2025-09-03 17:08:59 UTC

In the picture above, which group has MORE apples? Which group has FEWER apples? Comment your answer below.

As you can see, group 1 has TWO apples, and group 2 has TWELVE apples.

This means group 1 has LESS THAN group 2, and group 2 has GREATER THAN group 1.

If these groups have the same number of apples each, then they would be EQUAL TO.

hgrace2031 — 2025-09-03 17:19:41 UTC

When comparing numbers, we use symbols to show how each of the numbers relate to each other.

Greater than: >

Less than: <

Equal to: =

When you see these symbols, think about them as an alligator's mouth! The alligator's mouth will ALWAYS eat the bigger number.

If the two numbers are the same, they would be equal to each other, and you would use the = symbol!

hgrace2031 — 2025-09-03 17:34:17 UTC

To make comparing easier, especially for larger numbers, we can look at the place values.

Looking at the picture above, we are comparing 372 and 415.

-When comparing, always look at the BIGGEST place value first, which in this case would be the hundreds place.

-If one of the numbers in the hundreds place is bigger than the other, then that number is greater.

-In this case, 4 is bigger than 3, so 415 is bigger than 372.

If the numbers are the same in the biggest place value, move on to the next place value!

If all of the place values are equal, then the numbers are EQUAL TO!

hgrace2031 — 2025-09-04 02:07:22 UTC

Now lets try and compare some of these numbers! Remember to start with the biggest place value, then move on to the next if the number is the same!

For extra help on memorizing the process, there is a catchy song attached above!

Please answer the questions in the comments below!

1. 125 __ 223

2. 345 __ 378

3. 42 __ 49

4. 892 __ 892

5. 1,134 __ 1,581