Ordering Numbers to 1000
Compare and order numbers up to 1000 using >, =, and < symbols, based on place-value understanding
What a learner can do afterwards
- Compare two three-digit numbers by examining hundreds first, then tens, then ones
- Use >, =, and < correctly to record comparisons of three-digit numbers
- Order a set of numbers up to 1000 from smallest to largest
1 · Read
To compare two three-digit numbers, look at the hundreds digit first. Whichever number has more hundreds is the bigger number. If the hundreds match, compare the tens next. If the tens match too, compare the ones.
Compare 456 and 231. Both numbers have three digits, so start with the hundreds: 4 and 2. Since 4 is more than 2, 456 is bigger. We write this as 456 > 231.
The pointy end of > and < always faces the smaller number, like a mouth eating the bigger pile of food. If the hundreds tie and the tens tie too, the ones digit breaks the tie.
Compare hundreds first, then tens, then ones, and use >, <, or = to show which number wins.
More to read
Using Pictures to Explain Number Comparisons
Comparing numbers starts with the biggest place. For three digit numbers, look at the hundreds first. More hundreds always means a bigger number, whatever the other digits are.
If the hundreds match, move to the tens. The number 465 beats 456 because 6 tens beats 5 tens. Only look at ones when hundreds and tens both match.
Whole number place value review
Place value gives every digit a job. The hundreds digit counts hundreds, the tens digit counts tens and the ones digit counts ones. Reading left to right finds the biggest difference first.
Ordering a set means sorting smallest to largest. Compare two numbers at a time and place each one carefully.
Whole numbers in expanded form review
Expanded form lays a number bare. The number 486 is 400 + 80 + 6 and 468 is 400 + 60 + 8. The hundreds tie, so the tens decide.
Signs record the result: > means greater, < means smaller and = means equal. The open mouth of the sign always faces the bigger number.
Explore more
2 · Watch
En anglaisTake it off screen
Where it sits
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
18 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.