K-5 friendly lesson
One small step at a time.Read the idea, try the activity, and celebrate each win as you go.

Comparing Numbers (Up to 1,000)

🐊 The Hungry Alligator Returns! The numbers are massive, but the alligator's rule is the exact same... ALWAYS eat the biggest number.

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

Lesson 105 of 186

Concept

Comparing 3-digit numbers requires you to be a detective, reading from Left to Right.

🎯 The "Left to Right" Check: Let's compare 438 and 452. 1. Check the Hundreds (Left): Both have a 4. It's a tie! Go to the next digit. 2. Check the Tens (Middle): The first number has a 3. The second number has a 5. 3. Winner! 5 is bigger than 3. We don't even need to look at the Ones column! 4. The Sign: 438 < 452. (The alligator mouth opens towards the 452).

If the hundreds are different (like 512 and 388), you stop immediately. 500 is bigger than 300!

Try it

Feed the alligator!

Instructions: Draw the correct sign: > (Greater Than), < (Less Than), or = (Equal To).

Problem 1: 345 ____ 812 * Check the hundreds first! 3 vs 8. * Answer: 345 ___ 812 ( < or > )

Problem 2: 671 ____ 649 * Hundreds tie! Check the tens! 7 vs 4. * Answer: 671 ___ 649

Problem 3: 590 ____ 598 * Hundreds tie. Tens tie. Check the Ones! 0 vs 8. * Answer: 590 ___ 598

Problem 4: 104 ____ 104 * Answer: ___