Comparing 4-Digit Numbers: How to Find the Greater Number
Hello, math explorers! Today, we’re going to learn how to compare 4-digit numbers to find out which one is greater. Whether you’re comparing scores, distances, or even the number of stars you can count in the sky, knowing how to compare numbers will come in handy!
Let’s dive right in and discover how to find the bigger number!
Step 1: Look at the Thousands Place
When comparing 4-digit numbers, the first thing you do is check the thousands place. This is the digit that comes first, all the way to the left. The number with the larger digit in the thousands place will be the greater number.
For example, let’s compare 4523 and 5621:
- 4523 has a 4 in the thousands place.
- 5621 has a 5 in the thousands place.
Since 5 is greater than 4, we already know that 5621 is greater than 4523.
We can write it like this:
4523 < 5621
Step 2: What If the Thousands Place Is the Same?
Sometimes, the digits in the thousands place are the same. When this happens, we move to the hundreds place and compare those digits.
Let’s compare 6734 and 6798:
- 6734 has a 6 in the thousands place, and so does 6798.
- Now, we look at the hundreds place.
6734 has a 7 in the hundreds place, and 6798 also has a 7 in the hundreds place.
Both the thousands and hundreds places are the same, so we move to the tens place.
Step 3: Compare the Tens Place
If the thousands and hundreds digits are the same, we check the tens place.
In our example, 6734 and 6798:
- 6734 has a 3 in the tens place.
- 6798 has a 9 in the tens place.
Since 9 is greater than 3, we can say that 6798 is greater than 6734.
Step 4: What If the Tens Place Is Also the Same?
Sometimes, we have to go all the way to the ones place to find out which number is larger. Let’s compare 4876 and 4879:
- The thousands place: both numbers have 4.
- The hundreds place: both numbers have 8.
- The tens place: both numbers have 7.
Finally, we check the ones place:
- 4876 has a 6 in the ones place.
- 4879 has a 9 in the ones place.
Since 9 is greater than 6, we can now say that 4879 is greater than 4876.
The Final Answer
When comparing 4-digit numbers, you always start by looking at the leftmost digit (thousands place) and work your way to the right. The first place where the digits are different will tell you which number is greater.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Start with the thousands place.
- If the thousands place is the same, check the hundreds place.
- If the hundreds place is the same, check the tens place.
- If the tens place is the same, compare the ones place.
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