When comparing two numbers,

using a
greater than (>) or less than (<) sign
can help to order the numbers.

to always read
the number sentence from left to right!

Different Ways to Compare Numbers

Way 1 You can use a number line.

4,843 is to the right of 4,456 on the number line. So 4,843 > 4,456
Way 2 You can look at the place value.
Begin at the greatest place value. Find where the digits are
different.

Compare the digits that are different, Write > or <.

Examples:
97 > 91

226 < 232

Say:
"97 is greater than 91"

Say:
"226 is less than 232"

1,116 > 1,108

44 < 72

Say:
"1,116 is greater than 1,108"

Say:
"44 is less than 72"

Hints :
Think of the Less than sign ( < )
as looking like a tipped "L".
&
The "mouth" of either sign

always opens towards

the GREATER NUMBER.
58

54

13

23

Remember: Always read the two numbers being compared

from left to right, and the mouth of the sign always goes towards
the larger number.

Ordering Numbers
Ascending Order
To put numbers in order, place them from lowest (first) to highest (last).
This is called "Ascending Order". Think of ascending a mountain.
Example: Place 17, 5, 9 and 8 in ascending order.
Answer: 5, 8, 9, 17
Example: Place 3, 1, 19, 12, 9, 2 and 7 in ascending order.

Answer: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 12, 19

Descendig Order
Sometimes you want the numbers to go the other way, from highest down to
lowest, this is called "Descending Order".
Example: Place 17, 5, 9 and 8 in descending order.

Answer: 17, 9, 8, 5

Ordering Numbers
Ascending Order
To put numbers in order, place them from lowest (first) to highest (last).

This is called "Ascending Order". Think of ascending a mountain.

Example: Place 17, 5, 9 and 8 in ascending order.
Answer: 5, 8, 9, 17
Example: Place 3, 1, 19, 12, 9, 2 and 7 in ascending order.

Answer: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 12, 19

Descendig Order
Sometimes you want the numbers to go the other way, from highest down to
lowest, this is called "Descending Order".
Example: Place 17, 5, 9 and 8 in descending order.

Answer: 17, 9, 8, 5