Comparison of multi-digit whole numbers is determined by place value: first compare the greatest place at which the digits differ, while numbers with identical digits are equal. The symbols , , and , ordered lists, and number lines represent these relationships; a number with more digits is not automatically greater when leading zeros are considered. This understanding supports ordering, estimation, and later work with operations and proportional relationships, but does not extend to decimals, negative numbers, or algebraic inequalities.
To compare whole numbers, compare their digits from left to right, starting with the greatest place value.
Example: Compare and .
Line up the numbers by place value:
Compare the digits in each place, starting on the left:
The tens place is the first place where the digits differ. Since , the top number is less than the bottom number.
The first different place determines the comparison. If every digit is the same, the numbers are equal, such as . Remember that leading zeros do not change a number: .
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