Comparing Numbers

Comparing numbers means deciding which of two (or more) numbers is greater, which is smaller, or whether they are equal. This skill is used whenever you order lists, choose the best value, or solve inequalities in algebra.

Comparison Symbols

Symbol	Meaning	Example
>	Greater than	7 > 3
<	Less than	3 < 7
=	Equal to	5 = 5

Comparing Whole Numbers – Step by Step

Count the digits. The number with more digits is larger.
If digit counts are equal, compare the leftmost digits.
Move right until you find digits that differ.
The number with the larger digit in that position is greater.

Worked Examples

Comparison	Reason	Result
5,821 vs 5,279	Thousands equal (5=5); hundreds: 8 > 2	5,821 > 5,279
74,000 vs 6,999	74,000 has 5 digits; 6,999 has 4	74,000 > 6,999
302 vs 302	All digits identical	302 = 302
1,050 vs 1,500	Thousands equal; hundreds: 0 < 5	1,050 < 1,500

Comparing Decimals

Compare the whole number parts first.
If equal, compare tenths, then hundredths, and so on.

3.74 vs 3.79 → ones equal, tenths equal (7=7), hundredths: 4 < 9 → 3.74 < 3.79

Using a Number Line

On a number line, numbers increase from left to right. Any number to the right is greater than any number to the left.

← 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 →

Comparing Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are to the left of zero on a number line. The further left, the smaller the value.

−5 < −2 (because −5 is further left)

Key Points

More digits always means a larger number (for positive whole numbers).
Compare digit by digit from left to right.
For decimals, align decimal points before comparing.
Negative numbers: the larger the absolute value, the smaller the number.

Practice: Compare Two Numbers

Enter >, <, or = to compare the two numbers below. If you get it wrong (or leave it blank), we'll compare them digit by digit together.

Which symbol goes between these numbers?

Summary

Comparing numbers relies entirely on place value: more digits means a larger number, and when digit counts match, you compare position by position from left to right. The skill extends naturally to decimals and negative numbers, and is essential for ordering, rounding, and solving inequalities.