Compare 4-digit numbers starting from the leftmost digit:
- Compare thousands first
- If equal, compare hundreds
- If equal, compare tens
- If equal, compare ones
Use symbols: < (less than), > (greater than), = (equal to)
Place Value to 10,000 • Topic 3 of 3
Comparing and Ordering 4-Digit Numbers
Solved Examples
1
Worked Example
Compare: 5,432 ___ 5,429
SolutionThousands: both 5. Hundreds: both 4. Tens: both 2. Ones: 2 vs 9. Since 2 < 9, answer: 5,432 < 5,429. Wait — tens: 3 vs 2, so 5,432 > 5,429.
2
Worked Example
Arrange from smallest to largest: 6,789 ; 6,798 ; 6,799
SolutionAll have same thousands (6) and hundreds (7). Compare tens: 8, 9, 9. For the two 9s, compare ones: 8 vs 9. Order: 6,789 < 6,798 < 6,799.
3
Worked Example
Which is greater: 9,999 or 9,001?
SolutionSame thousands (9). Hundreds: 9 vs 0. Since 9 > 0, answer: 9,999 > 9,001.
Key Points
- Compare left to right: thousands first, then hundreds, tens, ones.
- Stop as soon as digits differ — larger digit = larger number.
- Arrange in order by comparing systematically.
Quick Check — 4 MCQs
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.A number with more digits is:
Explanation: More digits means greater.
Q2.With the same digit count, compare from the:
Explanation: Left (highest place).
Q3.Which is greater: $4{,}521$ or $4{,}251$?
Explanation: Compare the hundreds.
Q4.The symbol $<$ means:
Explanation: Less than.