This document provides instructions on how to compare and order numbers using symbols like >, <, and =. It explains that numbers should be lined up based on their place value and compared digit by digit from left to right. It also shows how to represent comparisons using dots or symbols. Examples are provided of writing comparison symbols and ordering numbers from greatest to least or least to greatest.

2. Vocabulary
 Greater than (>) – a symbol used to
show numbers greater than another
 Less than (<) – a symbol used to
show numbers less than another
 Equals (=) a symbol used to show
numbers having the same value

3. How to compare numbers
Line up the
numbers
Compare at
highest
place value
If numbers
are the same
go to next digit
to the right
12,391
8,971
13,762
12,391
8,971
13,762
12,391
8,971
13,762
1 2 3

4. To remember which way to
place the comparison
symbol, place two dots next
to the number of greatest
value and one dot next to the
number of least value. Then
connect the dots.
3,931 4,931

5. What if the two numbers are
equal? It’s easy to remember
what to do. Place two dots
next to each number. Then
connect the dots.
5,034 5,034

6. Write < > or =
5,931 > 4,931

7. Write < > or =
8,359 > 4,931

8. Write < > or =
959 < 4,931

9. Write < > or =
7,000 > 6,900

10. Write < > or =
4,789 = 4,789

11. Write < > or =
Five thousand < 500

12. Write < > or =
3 hundreds 6 tens > 306

13. Write < > or =
1,000+700+3 < 1,730

14. If you know how to compare
numbers, you know how to put
them in order
Put these numbers in order
from greatest to least
1,730 14 569 9,271
2 4 3 1

15. Put these numbers in order from
greatest to least
5,872 6,872 569 9
2 1 3 4

16. Put these numbers in order from
least to greatest
5,872 5,832 5,991
9130 2 4 1