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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

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