3
Putting numbers in order
Learner’s Book 1: Unit 9, pp. 129–130
GoalPut three numbers in order from smallest to greatest and mark them on a number line.
New words
order · put in a line, from first to lastsmallest · the least numbergreatest · the biggest number
Explanation
To put numbers in order, find where they are on the number line. The smallest number is closest to 0. The greatest number is furthest along. Take 12, 7 and 15. 7 is closest to 0, so it comes first. 12 is next. 15 is furthest, so it comes last. In order from smallest to greatest they are 7, 12, 15. If we start with the greatest, we say 15, 12, 7.
Worked examples
Look at the number line above. Order 12, 7 and 15 from smallest to greatest: 7, 12, 15.
Mark 4 and 16 on the number line. 4 is near 0. 16 is nearer to 20.
Order 9, 19 and 14 from greatest to smallest: 19, 14, 9.
Class activity
Number card order: write the numbers 1 to 20 on cards. Pick three cards without looking. Put them in order from smallest to greatest. Check them on a number line. Then try from greatest to smallest.
Practice
1
Which number is nearer to 20, 5 or 17?
17
2
Put 14, 9 and 17 in order from smallest to greatest.
9, 14, 17
3
Put 11, 19 and 13 in order from greatest to smallest.
19, 13, 11
4
Which number is between 14 and 16?
15