Skill: Compare whole numbers

To compare whole numbers, start with the greatest place value and move to the right only if the digits are equal.

Remember:

• $>$ means “greater than”
• $<$ means “less than”
• $=$ means “equal to”

Example

Compare $(482{,}731)$ and $(479{,}856)$.

1. Compare the hundred-thousands digits:
   Both numbers have $4$, so they are equal so far.

2. Compare the ten-thousands digits:
   $8$ is greater than $7$.

3. Since $(8>7)$, the first number is greater. We do not need to compare the remaining digits.

Therefore,

$$482{,}731>479{,}856$$

The number $(482{,}731)$ would also be farther to the right on a number line, because greater numbers are farther to the right.