SME
Grade 4 Math · Problem type
Compare multi-digit numbers
Use this for “Which is greater: 425,900 or 452,000?” with >, < or =.
Chart
First number
hundred thousands
4
ten thousands
2
thousands
5
hundreds
9
tens
0
ones
0
Second number
hundred thousands
4
ten thousands
5
thousands
2
hundreds
0
tens
0
ones
0
They first differ in the ten thousands: 2 < 5, so 425,900 < 452,000.
How far apart: 26,100
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
First number
Second number
How far apart
calculated
Formulas
sign < between 425,900 and 452,000
The sign between the two numbers
425,900 and 452,000 are 26,100 apart
Difference between first number and second number = how far apart
Assumptions
•
Compare the biggest place first. More digits means a bigger number.
•
Same digit in that place: move one place right and compare again.
•
The chart outlines the first place where the two numbers differ.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
First number: 425,900
Second number: 452,000
FIND
sign, how far apart
Step 1 · Find sign
sign ? between 425,900 and 452,000
The sign between the two numbers
Compare place by place, biggest place first.
Hundred thousands: 4 and 4, the same
Ten thousands: 2 < 5, so 425,900 < 452,000
s: <
Step 2 · Find how far apart
425,900 and 452,000 are ? apart
Difference between first number and second number = how far apart
Take the smaller number away from the bigger one, place by place.
How far apart = 452,000 − 425,900
4
11
10
4
5
2
0
0
0
−
4
2
5
9
0
0
2
6
1
0
0
How far apart = 26,100 (the second number is bigger)
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
425,900 < 452,000 ✓
425,900 < 452,000, 26,100 apart ✓
Topic check
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