Comparing Numbers (Up to 1,000)
š The Hungry Alligator Returns! The numbers are massive, but the alligator's rule is the exact same... ALWAYS eat the biggest number.
Concept
Comparing 3-digit numbers requires you to be a detective, reading from Left to Right. šÆ **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 **5**12 and **3**88), 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: ___