Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Compare numbers
Compare numbers
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Compare two whole numbers up to 1,000 using the symbols >, <, and =.
Identify and use the correct place value (hundreds, tens, ones) to determine which number is greater or smaller.
Order a set of three or more numbers up to 1,000 from least to greatest.
Order a set of three or more numbers up to 1,000 from greatest to least.
Explain their reasoning for a comparison by referring to the value of the digits.
Solve simple word problems that involve comparing numbers.
If you have 253 points in a video game and your friend has 235 points, who is winning? 🎮 Let's find out!
In this lesson, we will learn how to compare numbers to see which is bigger, smaller, or if they are the same. This is a super important skill that helps us make smart choices ev...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Greater Than (>)A symbol used to show that the first number has a larger value than the second number. Think of it as an alligator's mouth eating the bigger number!15 > 9 (Read as: Fifteen is greater than nine).
Less Than (<)A symbol used to show that the first number has a smaller value than the second number. The alligator's mouth is still pointing to the bigger number.21 < 52 (Read as: Twenty-one is less than fifty-two).
Equal To (=)A symbol used to show that two numbers or amounts have the exact same value.100 = 100 (Read as: One hundred is equal to one hundred).
Place ValueThe value of a digit based on its position in a number. In a 3-digit number, we have the hundreds, tens, and ones places.In the number 368, the 3 is in the hundreds place...
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Core Formulas
The Place Value Comparison Rule
Start comparing digits from the largest place value on the left. If they are the same, move one place to the right and compare again. Repeat until you find a difference.
Use this rule every time you compare two numbers with the same number of digits. For example, to compare 845 and 862, you start with the hundreds place.
The More Digits Rule
The number with more digits is always greater.
This is a quick way to compare numbers of different sizes. A 3-digit number is always greater than a 2-digit number.
The Alligator Mouth Analogy
> or <
To remember which symbol to use, imagine the > and < symbols are an alligator's mouth. The alligator is very hungry and always wants to eat the bigger number! So, the open part of the s...
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Challenging
Use the digits 5, 2, 8, 1 to create the smallest possible ODD number. How does this number compare to 1,300?
A.The number is 1,285, which is less than 1,300.
B.The number is 1,258, which is less than 1,300.
C.The number is 1,825, which is greater than 1,300.
D.The number is 2,185, which is greater than 1,300.
Challenging
Rectangle A has a length of 9 meters and a width of 4 meters. Rectangle B has a length of 7 meters and a width of 5 meters. Which statement is true?
A.The area of Rectangle A is less than the area of Rectangle B.
B.The area of Rectangle A is equal to the area of Rectangle B.
C.The area of Rectangle A is greater than the area of Rectangle B.
D.The perimeters are equal, so the areas are equal.
Challenging
A factory makes 12 dozen pencils. They want to know if they have more or less than 150 pencils. Which statement is true?
A.They have less than 150 pencils.
B.They have more than 150 pencils.
C.They have exactly 150 pencils.
D.They have exactly 120 pencils.
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