Comparing 3-digit numbers
Definitions
Definition Comparing
Comparing means looking at two numbers to see which one is bigger, smaller, or if they are the same.
Definition Comparison Symbols
To compare numbers, we use three symbols:
| \(=\) | equal |  |
| \(\gt\) | greater than |  |
| \(<\) | less than |  |
To remember which way the \(\gt\) and \(\lt\) signs point, remember this:
- BIG \(\gt\) small
- small \(\lt\) BIG
How to Compare 3-Digit Numbers
Method Comparing 3-digit Numbers
- Step 1: Compare Hundreds
Look at the hundreds place. The number with a larger hundreds digit is bigger. - Step 2: Compare Tens
If the hundreds are the same, look at the tens place. The number with a larger tens digit is bigger. - Step 3: Compare Ones
If both the hundreds and tens are the same, look at the ones place. The number with a larger ones digit is bigger.
Example
Compare 643 and 189.
- Since 6 is in the hundreds place of 643 and is greater than 1 in the hundreds place of 189, 643 is greater than 189.
-
= 643 \(\gt\) 189 = 
Example
Compare 456 and 481.
- Both numbers have the same digit in the hundreds place (4). Since 8 in the tens place of 481 is greater than 5 in the tens place of 456, 481 is greater than 456.
-
= 456 \(\lt\) 481 = 
Example
Compare 732 and 739.
- Both numbers have the same digits in the hundreds and tens places (7 and 3, respectively). Since 9 in the ones place of 739 is greater than 2 in the ones place of 732, 739 is greater than 732.
-
= 732 \(\lt\) 739 = 