Comparing Numbers: Finding the Smaller 4-Digit Number
Numbers are everywhere! We use them to count, tell time, and even measure things. But sometimes, we need to compare numbers to see which one is bigger or smaller. Today, we’re going to learn how to find the smaller number when we’re given two four-digit numbers.
What are 4-Digit Numbers?
A 4-digit number is any number that has four places or digits. For example:
- 1234
- 5678
- 4321
Each of these numbers has four digits. The first digit is the thousands place, the second is the hundreds place, the third is the tens place, and the last one is the ones place.
How Do We Compare Numbers?
When we compare numbers, we look at the digits in the thousands place first. The number with the smaller digit in this place will be the smaller number.
For example, if we are comparing 1234 and 5678, we look at the first digit:
- In 1234, the first digit (thousands place) is 1.
- In 5678, the first digit (thousands place) is 5.
Since 1 is smaller than 5, we know that 1234 is smaller than 5678.
What If the First Digits are the Same?
Great question! If the first digits are the same, we move on to the next digit, which is the hundreds place. Let’s compare 4321 and 4399.
- First digit: Both numbers have 4, so we move on.
- Second digit: 4321 has 3 in the hundreds place, and 4399 also has 3, so we move on again.
- Third digit: 4321 has 2 in the tens place, and 4399 has 9.
Since 2 is smaller than 9, we know that 4321 is the smaller number.
Practice Time!
Let’s try comparing two more four-digit numbers:
- 7584 vs. 7532
Start by comparing the first digits:
- 7 and 7 are the same, so we look at the next digit.
- In the hundreds place, we see 5 and 5, so we move on.
- In the tens place, we see 8 and 3. Since 3 is smaller than 8, we know that 7532 is the smaller number!
Final Thoughts
Comparing numbers is easy when you take it step by step. Start by looking at the largest place value and work your way down. Before you know it, you’ll be a number comparison expert!