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How to Make the Largest or Smallest 3-Digit Number
Hey there, young mathematicians! Today, we’re going to have fun with 3-digit numbers. We’ll learn how to create both the largest and smallest 3-digit numbers using only three numbers. Ready? Let’s go!
What Are 3-Digit Numbers?
A 3-digit number has hundreds, tens, and ones places. For example, in the number 456,
- 4 is in the hundreds place,
- 5 is in the tens place, and
- 6 is in the ones place.
Creating the Largest 3-Digit Number
Imagine you have three digits, like 3, 9, and 1. You want to make the biggest 3-digit number possible. Here’s how you do it:
- Pick the largest number and put it in the hundreds place. This makes the number the biggest it can be right away.
- In our example, the biggest digit is 9, so we put that first.
- Next, choose the second largest number and place it in the tens place.
- The second largest digit is 3, so we put that next.
- Finally, place the smallest number in the ones place.
- The smallest digit is 1, so that goes last.
Now you have 931, which is the biggest number you can make with 3, 9, and 1!
Creating the Smallest 3-Digit Number
Now let’s switch it up! What if you want to make the smallest 3-digit number? Here’s how:
- Pick the smallest number and put it in the hundreds place.
- From our example, the smallest digit is 1, so that goes first.
- Next, choose the second smallest number for the tens place.
- The second smallest digit is 3, so we put that next.
- Finally, place the largest number in the ones place.
- The largest digit is 9, so that goes last.
Now you have 139, which is the smallest number you can make with 3, 9, and 1!