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Comparing Numbers

Grade 6

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Remember the signs!

  • When we compare numbers, all we are doing is seeing which number is bigger, and which is smaller.
  • We use some symbols to help us see. Maybe you remember these?

< = >

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How do we compare numbers?

  • In order to compare numbers, we have to look at their place value.
  • Remember, the farther to the left on a place value chart, the greater the number! A digit in the thousands column is worth more than a digit in the tens column.
  • Think of it this way: would you rather have 1 thousand dollars, or 9 tens (90) dollars?

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Comparing system

In order to compare two numbers first write them on top of each other, making sure the correct columns are lined up:

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23,345,764

31,736,985

Now we look at the columns farthest to the left. In this case, teh TEN MILLIONS column. which has the greater digit? 3 is more than 2, so ….

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Soooo…...

23,345,764 < 31,736,985

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How about when there are more than 2 numbers?

  • When there are more than two numbers we are trying to compare we call that ordering.
  • We usually order numbers from least to greatest, or greatest to least.
  • When we do this, simply write the numbers on top of each other and do the same thing you did when comparing.

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Ordering Numbers

Example:

Put these numbers in order from least to greatest:

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12,187,965 ; 12,873,923 ; 13,777,362

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Ordering Numbers (con’t)

Step 1: Put the numbers on top of each other - be careful to line up your columns!!!

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12,187,965

12,873,923

13,777,362

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Some websites for practice:

http://www.aaamath.com/g6_41bx1.htm

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http://www.aaamath.com/g6_41dx1.htm

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http://www.studyzone.org/mtestprep/math8/e/ordernumber5l.cfm

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