Numbers Ordering — Grade 3 Mathematics
In Grade 3, we compare and order 4-digit numbers (up to 9 999) using place value tables and number lines. We also look at how numbers sit on a number line between 0 and 10 000 and use the symbols >, <, and = precisely.
Place Value of 4-Digit Numbers
Example: 6 294
6 Thousands + 2 Hundreds + 9 Tens + 4 Ones = 6 000 + 200 + 90 + 4
Compare: 6 294 vs 6 382
| Number | Th | H | T | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 294 | 6 | 2 | 9 | 4 |
| 6 382 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 2 |
Th is the same (6). Look at H: 2 < 3. Therefore 6 294 < 6 382.
Number Line: 0 to 10 000
To place 3 600 on this line: it is between 2 500 and 5 000, closer to 2 500 (about 44% along).
Worked Examples
Insert >, < or = between: 7 045 ___ 7 054
- Th: 7 = 7 (same)
- H: 0 = 0 (same)
- T: 4 < 5 → 7 045 is smaller
- Answer: 7 045 < 7 054
Order from smallest to largest: 4 820, 4 028, 4 802, 4 208, 4 280
- All start with 4 (Th same). Look at H: 8, 0, 8, 2, 2
- Smallest H = 0 → 4 028
- Next H = 2: compare T — 4 208 (T=0) then 4 280 (T=8)
- Next H = 8: compare T — 4 802 (T=0) then 4 820 (T=2)
- Order: 4 028, 4 208, 4 280, 4 802, 4 820
Four students scored: 2 356, 2 563, 2 365, 2 536. Who scored highest?
- All start with 2 (Th); look at H: 3, 5, 3, 5
- Two have H=5: 2 563 and 2 536. Compare T: 6 > 3 → 2 563 is bigger
- Highest score: 2 563
Practice Questions
1. Write in expanded form: 5 073
2. Insert >, < or =: 3 409 ___ 3 490
3. Order smallest to largest: 8 001, 8 100, 8 010, 8 000
4. What is the largest 4-digit number you can make with digits 3, 7, 1, 9?
5. Round 6 473 to the nearest 1 000.
Key Points to Remember
- Compare from the highest place value (Thousands) and work right.
- The first column that differs tells you which number is larger.
- > means "greater than"; < means "less than" — the open end faces the bigger number.
- Ascending = smallest to largest; Descending = largest to smallest.
- A 4-digit number goes from 1 000 to 9 999.