Primary 2 maths · Whole numbers · About 8 minutes
Compare and order numbers to 1000
Line up matching places. Start on the left.
Start the interactive lesson →Practise: Number mountain
What you will learn
- Compare and order numbers to 1000
Models used: number sentences, stories, diagrams.
Before you start
Look at the biggest groups first
Compare 32 and 28. Each long row represents a group of ten.
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
Compare 32 and 28. Each long row represents a group of ten.
A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.
The number at the top of each column is the value of one counter in that column.
32 has three tens. 28 has only two tens. Those tens decide the comparison.
A digit tells us how many units there are. Its position tells us what size those units are; that is why a zero can matter.
Both bars use the same scale. Compare their lengths and read the names beside them.
Even though 8 is more than 2, 28 is less than 32. Compare the tens before the ones.
28 < 32
What did the picture help us see?
Even though 8 is more than 2, 28 is less than 32. Compare the tens before the ones.
Worked example: A new example, together
Choose the correct relation: 296 □ 893.
Line up matching places. Start on the left.
Comparing the largest differing place decides the order.
296□893Choose <, > or = for the empty card. Line up equal place-value columns.
296□893Choose <, > or = for the empty card. Choose the correct relation: 296 □ 893.
<
Compare from the greatest place; the first different digits decide.
296□893Choose <, > or = for the empty card. 296 < 893.
296□893Choose <, > or = for the empty card. Check the result against the question we started with.
The greater number comes later when counting forward.
We found <. Comparing the largest differing place decides the order.
296□893Choose <, > or = for the empty card.
Common mistakes to discuss
- Longer looks larger. Compare the greatest place first, not the number of digits on the page. 0 thousands beats nothing: 998 is less than 1002 because the thousands differ.
Check your understanding
- Compare and order numbers to 1000
- compare numbers using their places
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
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