Comparing Numbers

We compare numbers using less than “<” and greater than “>” symbols. They are used to compare digits in the same place value position. To remember which way around the “<” and “>” signs, go just remember.

The small end always points to the smaller number. When the value is smaller than another, checking from the left, we can use a less than sign “<” e.g. 3 < 5. When the value is bigger than another, checking from the left, we can use a greater than sign “>” e.g. 9 > 6.

Always remember to check from the left check each place value position for the higher digits which shows the greater number

Example;

We can observe that in the thousands and hundreds column, the digits are the same but they differ in the tens and ones. Therefore checking from the left side, we can say 9639 is less than 9693 that is;