Number Comparison Sample Problems

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Here are some tips for Number Comparison, which aligns with Arizona state standards:

Number Comparison

For review on the basics of place value, see here.

In number comparison, we use these symbols to show us how two numbers compare.

Symbol	Definition
<	is less than
>	is greater than
=	is equal to

5 > 3 Read: 5 is greater than 3
4 < 8 Read: 4 is less than 8

An easy way to remember if you should use < or >, think of an alligator. The alligator is greedy and always wants to eat the larger number.

100		9			15		49
100 > 9					15 < 49

When comparing numbers, you always compare from left to right.

So for 264 ? 266, first compare the hundreds: 264 ? 266
Since they are the same, compare the tens: 264 ? 266
Since they are the same, compare the ones: 264 ? 266
4 is less than 6, so 264 is less than 266.
264 < 266

Example 1:

Use >, <, or = to relate the two numbers.
2929 2832
We always compare numbers from left to right.
First compare the thousands: 2929 ? 2832
Since they are the same, compare the hundreds: 2929 ? 2832
9 is greater than 8, so 2929 is greater than 2832.
2929 2832

Example 2:

Determine if the first number is greater than, less than, or equal to the second number.
9951 9957
We always compare numbers from left to right.
First compare the thousands: 9951 ? 9957
Since they are the same, compare the hundreds: 9951 ? 9957
Since they are the same, compare the tens: 9951 ? 9957
Since they are the same, compare the ones: 9951 ? 9957
1 is less than 7, so 9951 is less than 9957.
9951 9957