K-5 friendly lesson

One small step at a time.Read the idea, try the activity, and celebrate each win as you go.

Compare numbers up to one million

When numbers are huge, compare from left to right. The first place where digits differ tells you which number is greater.

Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.

Lesson 7 of 202

Concept

Comparing big numbers is like a race on place value streets.

🏁 Comparison Strategy: 1. Line up numbers by place value. 2. Start at the biggest place (hundred-thousands or millions). 3. Find the first place where digits are different. 4. Bigger digit there means bigger number.

Example: Compare 534,218 and 529,999 - Hundred-thousands: both 5 - Ten-thousands: 3 vs 2 ← first difference - Since 3 > 2, 534,218 > 529,999

🔣 Use symbols: - > means greater than - < means less than - = means equal

💡 Pro tip: If one number has more digits (and no leading zeros), it is greater.

Try it

Compare each pair with >, <, or =.

1. 456,901 ___ 456,109 2. 890,000 ___ 889,999 3. 70,405 ___ 74,050 4. 999,999 ___ 1,000,000 5. 305,700 ___ 305,700

📊 Order from least to greatest: 6. 612,405; 621,045; 602,145; 612,045

🧠 Explain your thinking: 7. Why is 502,901 greater than 499,999 even though 9 is bigger than 2?

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