MathematicsClass 6Knowing Our Numbers
Comparing Numbers
Determining which of the given numbers is greater or smaller using place value.
Class 6 · MathematicsCBSE & ICSE SOF IMO
Definition
Comparing numbers involves determining which of two or more numbers is greater than, less than, or equal to another. We first compare the number of digits, and if the number of digits is the same, we compare the digits from the leftmost position one by one.
Worked examples
1
Compare 4875 and 3549: Both have 4 digits. The leftmost digit of 4875 is 4, and for 3549 it is 3. Since 4 > 3, 4875 > 3549.
2
Compare 4875 and 4920: Both have 4 digits and the same first digit 4. Comparing the second digit, 8 < 9, so 4875 < 4920.
3
Compare 98563 and 98563: Both have the same digits in all corresponding places, so 98563 = 98563.
Common mistakes
- • Assuming a number with more digits is always smaller if it starts with a smaller number.
- • Comparing digits from the rightmost side instead of the leftmost side.
- • Confusing the symbols for greater than (>) and less than (<).