Skill: Order whole numbers

To order whole numbers, compare their digits from left to right, starting with the greatest place value.

1. First, compare the number of digits. A number with fewer digits is smaller.
2. If the numbers have the same number of digits, compare the digits in the greatest place.
3. Move one place to the right only when the digits are equal.
4. Write the numbers in the requested order.

Example: Order these numbers from least to greatest:

$$52{,}408,\quad 5{,}240,\quad 52{,}480,\quad 50{,}999$$

• $5{,}240$ has 4 digits. The other numbers have 5 digits, so $5{,}240$ is the least.
• Compare the remaining numbers in the ten-thousands place:
  • $50{,}999$ has $0$ ten-thousands.
  • $52{,}408$ and $52{,}480$ both have $2$ ten-thousands.
  Therefore, $50{,}999$ comes next.
• Compare $52{,}408$ and $52{,}480$. Their digits match through the hundreds place:
  • $52{,}408$ has $0$ tens.
  • $52{,}480$ has $8$ tens.
  Since $0<8$, $52{,}408<52{,}480$.

So, from least to greatest:

$$\boxed{5{,}240<50{,}999<52{,}408<52{,}480}$$