Numbers Ordering — Grade 2 Mathematics
In Grade 2, we extend ordering to 3-digit numbers up to 1000. The key skill is using place value to compare digits column by column — starting with hundreds, then tens, then ones — to decide which number is larger or smaller.
How to Compare 3-Digit Numbers
Step 2: If the hundreds are equal, compare the Tens digits.
Step 3: If the tens are also equal, compare the Ones digits.
Use >, <, or = to record your comparison.
Worked Examples
Which is greater: 463 or 479?
| Number | Hundreds | Tens | Ones |
|---|---|---|---|
| 463 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| 479 | 4 | 7 | 9 |
- Hundreds: 4 = 4 (same). Move to tens.
- Tens: 6 < 7. So 463 < 479.
Arrange 512, 298, 765, 301, 512 in ascending order.
- Compare hundreds first: 2xx < 3xx < 5xx < 7xx
- Two numbers start with 5: 512 = 512 (same — tie!)
Four villages have populations: Amberfield 847, Blueford 392, Creston 614, Downwood 391. Order them from most to fewest people.
Note: 392 and 391 both have 3 hundreds and 9 tens — check the ones: 2 > 1, so 392 > 391.
Practice Questions
1. Write >, < or =: 357 ___ 375
2. Arrange in ascending order: 702, 207, 720, 270
3. What is the largest 3-digit number you can make using the digits 4, 1, and 9?
4. Arrange in descending order: 100, 999, 555, 250, 801
5. Find the missing number: ___, 450, 500, 550, 600 (ascending, adds 50 each time)
Key Points to Remember
- Compare 3-digit numbers by Hundreds first, then Tens, then Ones.
- Ascending = smallest to largest. Descending = largest to smallest.
- Align digits by place value to avoid comparison mistakes.
- A 3-digit number is always greater than a 2-digit number.
- The same digits in different orders create different values (e.g., 479 ≠ 749).