Understand the idea.
Start with the largest place
Compare the largest places first. Whole numbers written without leading zeros are larger when they have more digits: has a ten-thousands place, while does not.
If the numbers have the same length, compare digits from left to right. Matching digits describe matching amounts. The first different place decides which number is greater; smaller places cannot overturn that decision.
Say which order you mean
Ascending order goes from smallest to largest; descending order goes from largest to smallest. Think of positions on a number line: moving right takes you to larger numbers. Check the requested direction before listing your answer.
Zeros matter in comparisons. For and , the digits match until the tens place. Compare zero tens with nine tens before looking at the ones, even though the first number ends in .
See the method in action.
Compare close numbers
Which is greater: 34,572 or 34,527?
Worked solution
- 1
Compare the matching larger places.
Both numbers have the same ten-thousands, thousands and hundreds.
- 2
Compare the tens.
Seven tens exceed two tens, so the ones cannot change the comparison.
- 3
State the greater number.
The first different digit favours thirty-four thousand five hundred and seventy-two.
34,572 is greater.
Put numbers in order
Arrange 12,080; 11,980; 12,008 from smallest to largest.
Worked solution
- 1
Identify the smallest thousands part.
Eleven thousands are fewer than twelve thousands.
- 2
Compare the two numbers with twelve thousands.
Their hundreds match; zero tens in eight are fewer than eight tens in eighty.
- 3
List all three from smallest to largest.
The comparison places each number before the numbers greater than it.
11,980; 12,008; 12,080
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
Which is smaller: 20,305 or 20,350?
Show answer & reasoning
20,305
The numbers agree through the hundreds place. At the tens place, , so is smaller than .
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions
Read the questions online
- Which is larger: 9,999 or 10,001?
- Fill the gap with , or : .
- Write in ascending order: .
- Write in descending order: .
- Write one whole number strictly between 12,450 and 12,460.
- A stadium count is 24,318 on Friday and 24,381 on Saturday. Which day has more people? Explain without subtracting.
Read the worked solutions
- Which is larger: 9,999 or 10,001?
A five-digit number is larger than a four-digit whole number.
10,001 - Fill the gap with , or : .
The tens digits differ: 4 tens is more than 0 tens.
- Write in ascending order: .
Compare hundreds, then tens.
- Write in descending order: .
16 thousands is largest; then compare the last three digits.
- Write one whole number strictly between 12,450 and 12,460.
The answer must be larger than 12,450 and smaller than 12,460.
For example, 12,455. Any whole number from 12,451 to 12,459 is correct. - A stadium count is 24,318 on Friday and 24,381 on Saturday. Which day has more people? Explain without subtracting.
The thousands and hundreds match. Saturday has 8 tens while Friday has 1 ten.
Saturday.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics
Numbers beyond 10,000; place value; ordering; estimating quantities and answers.
Official curriculum source ↗