The idea, step by step
Start with the largest place
A number with more digits is larger when both are whole numbers written normally. For example, 10,003 is larger than 9,980 because it has a ten-thousands place.
When two numbers have the same number of digits, compare from left to right. Stop at the first place where the digits differ.
Say which order you mean
Ascending means smallest to largest. Descending means largest to smallest. You can mark a number on a number line to check which side of another number it belongs.
Do not compare only the last digit. In 23,409 and 23,490, the tens place decides: zero tens is less than nine tens.
A common trap
Choosing 14,098 as larger than 14,120 because 98 is larger than 20.
Instead: Compare the hundreds before the tens and ones. In these numbers, 0 hundreds is less than 1 hundred.
See the thinking
Compare close numbers
Which is greater: 34,572 or 34,527?
- The ten-thousands, thousands and hundreds digits match.
- Compare the tens: 7 tens is more than 2 tens.
Put numbers in order
Arrange 12,080; 11,980; 12,008 from smallest to largest.
- 11,980 has 11 thousands, so it comes before both numbers with 12 thousands.
- Compare the last parts 008 and 080. Eight is less than eighty.
Check your understanding
Which is smaller: 20,305 or 20,350?
Show answer
20,305
The first different place is tens: zero tens is less than five tens.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Which is larger: 9,999 or 10,001?
- Fill the gap with <, > or =: 18,640 __ 18,604.
- Write in ascending order: 23,400; 23,040; 23,004.
- Write in descending order: 15,900; 16,000; 15,990.
- Write one whole number strictly between 12,450 and 12,460.
- A stadium count is 24,318 on Friday and 24,381 on Saturday. Which day has more people? Explain without subtracting.
Read the worked solutions
- Which is larger: 9,999 or 10,001?
A five-digit number is larger than a four-digit whole number.
10,001 - Fill the gap with <, > or =: 18,640 __ 18,604.
The tens digits differ: 4 tens is more than 0 tens.
> - Write in ascending order: 23,400; 23,040; 23,004.
Compare hundreds, then tens.
23,004; 23,040; 23,400 - Write in descending order: 15,900; 16,000; 15,990.
16 thousands is largest; then compare the last three digits.
16,000; 15,990; 15,900 - Write one whole number strictly between 12,450 and 12,460.
The answer must be larger than 12,450 and smaller than 12,460.
For example, 12,455. Any whole number from 12,451 to 12,459 is correct. - A stadium count is 24,318 on Friday and 24,381 on Saturday. Which day has more people? Explain without subtracting.
The thousands and hundreds match. Saturday has 8 tens while Friday has 1 ten.
Saturday.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics
Numbers beyond 10,000; place value; ordering; estimating quantities and answers.
Official curriculum source ↗