Today, we’re going to learn how to compare numbers all the way up to 10,000. Don’t worry, it’s easy once you know the trick!
How Do We Compare Numbers?
When we compare numbers, we want to figure out which number is bigger or smaller. To do that, we look at the place values, starting with the biggest one – the thousands!
- Look at the thousands place. This is the first number on the left. If one number has more thousands, that number is bigger. For example, 3,567 is bigger than 2,999 because 3 is more than 2.
- If the thousands are the same, check the hundreds place. Let’s say we are comparing 4,567 and 4,234. Since the thousands are the same (both start with 4), we look at the hundreds place. Because 5 is bigger than 2, we know 4,567 is the bigger number.
- If the hundreds are the same, check the tens place. For example, comparing 4,520 and 4,530. The thousands and hundreds are the same, so we look at the tens place. Since 3 is more than 2, 4,530 is bigger!
- If everything else is the same, check the ones place. If you’re comparing 4,532 and 4,531, everything is the same except the ones place. Here, since 2 is more than 1, 4,532 is the bigger number.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Now you know the steps to compare numbers! Keep practicing by finding two numbers and comparing them to see which one is bigger or smaller. Soon, you’ll be a pro at comparing numbers up to 10,000!