number · Year 3 · AC9M3N01
Comparing multi-digit numbers
To compare two whole numbers, first count the digits: more digits means a larger number, so 100 beats 89. When two numbers have the same number of digits, compare from the left — the biggest place value decides. 61 beats 58 because 6 tens beats 5 tens; the ones digit only matters if the tens are equal. A big first digit alone, a big last digit, or a big digit total do not make a number larger.
Sample questions
Which number is the largest? 65, 49, 70, 93
- All the numbers have 2 digits, so compare from the left.
- Line them up by place value and compare the highest place, then the next place if they match.
- The largest number is 93.
Answer: 93
Which number is the largest? 60, 24, 85, 78
- All the numbers have 2 digits, so compare from the left.
- Line them up by place value and compare the highest place, then the next place if they match.
- The largest number is 85.
Answer: 85
Which number is the largest? 70, 72, 65, 19
- All the numbers have 2 digits, so compare from the left.
- Line them up by place value and compare the highest place, then the next place if they match.
- The largest number is 72.
Answer: 72