Comparing Numbers Up to Billions
Welcome 4th graders! Today, we’re going to explore the exciting world of really big numbers—numbers up to billions! But don’t worry, you’ll learn how to compare them like a pro.
What Are Numbers in the Billions?
A billion is a HUGE number. It’s a 1 followed by nine zeros, like this: 1,000,000,000. When we talk about numbers up to billions, we’re looking at numbers with up to ten digits (or more). For example, 3,456,789,123 is a number in the billions.
How Do We Compare Numbers Up to Billions?
When you compare big numbers like these, you use the same steps you did for smaller numbers, but now there are more digits to look at!
- Start with the biggest place value. Look at the billions place first. The larger the number in the billions place, the bigger the whole number.
- Example: 4,567,123,456 is greater than 3,987,654,321 because 4 billion is more than 3 billion.
- If the billions place is the same, check the next place: the hundred millions.
- Example: 4,567,123,456 is greater than 4,234,987,654 because 5 hundred million is greater than 2 hundred million.
- Keep checking place values—millions, hundred thousands, and so on—until you find a difference.
Tips for Comparing Big Numbers
- Always start from the left (the biggest place value) and move right.
- Be careful! One small difference can change which number is bigger.
Now It’s Your Turn!
You’re ready to compare numbers up to billions! Take the quiz and see if you can figure out which number is greater in each question.
More Questions on Compare Numbers (smaller up to Billions)
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