Comparing whole numbers

Comparing whole numbers

When we compare numbers, we study the numbers to determine what is asked.

When you compare numbers, you must look at the value of the digits.

Compare the following numbers and circle the greatest number:

932 923 933

You already know how to compare numbers because you can order numbers. You also compare numbers when you complete sequences on number charts or number lines.

Example: Which whole numbers do the letters A and B represent?

Answer: A = 27 | B = 33 25 A 29 31 B

Example: Fill in the missing numbers on the number chart.

Answer:

You can now compare numbers, say which number is the greatest and which is the smallest, and arrange them. But how do you indicate which number is the greatest or smallest without circling or underlining it?

We use symbols to indicate greater than, less than, and equal to. The symbols are:

To remember which way around the < and > signs go, just remember:

BIG > small small < BIG

The ‘small’ end always points to the smaller number. The ‘big’ end always points to the greater number.

3 < 932 OR 457 > 125

When two values are equal, we use the = to show that they are the same.