3
Greater, less or equal
Discover Mathematics P2: Term 1, Lessons 21–30
GoalCompare three-digit numbers and use the signs >, < and =.
New words
greater than (>) · bigger in valueless than (<) · smaller in valueequal to (=) · the same value
Explanation
To compare two numbers, start at the hundreds. The number with more hundreds is greater. If the hundreds are the same, compare the tens. If those are the same too, compare the ones. 345 and 328 have the same hundreds, but 4 tens is more than 2 tens, so 345 > 328. The open side of the sign > or < faces the greater number. If the numbers are the same we write =.
| Number | Hundreds | Tens | Ones |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Second | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Worked examples
| Number | Hundreds | Tens | Ones |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Second | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| Number | Hundreds | Tens | Ones |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 5 | 0 | 7 |
| Second | 5 | 7 | 0 |
301 and 289: 3 hundreds are more than 2 hundreds, so 301 > 289, even though 289 has bigger tens and ones.
Class activity
Number battle. Each player turns over three digit cards and makes the biggest number possible. Compare the two numbers and say which is greater. The player with the greater number scores one point.
Practice
1
Compare 436 and 463. Write >, < or =.
436 < 463 (436 is less than 463)
2
Compare 612 and 612.
612 = 612 (they are equal)
3
Compare 799 and 801.
799 < 801 (7 hundreds are less than 8 hundreds)
4
Compare 250 and 205.
250 > 205 (5 tens are more than 0 tens)
5
Name a number greater than 450 and less than 460.
Any of 451 to 459, for example 455.