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Order whole numbers

Ordering whole numbers means comparing nonnegative integers by examining their place-value structure, beginning with the greatest place and moving right only when preceding digits are equal. Numbers can be arranged from least to greatest or greatest to least using standard notation, expanded form, or a number line; a digit’s value depends on its position, not merely its face value. This treatment excludes negative numbers, decimals, and more advanced generalized number systems.

Detailed Explanation: 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:

52,408,5,240,52,480,50,99952{,}408,\quad 5{,}240,\quad 52{,}480,\quad 50{,}999
  • 5,2405{,}240 has 4 digits. The other numbers have 5 digits, so 5,2405{,}240 is the least.
  • Compare the remaining numbers in the ten-thousands place:
    • 50,99950{,}999 has 00 ten-thousands.
    • 52,40852{,}408 and 52,48052{,}480 both have 22 ten-thousands.
    Therefore, 50,99950{,}999 comes next.
  • Compare 52,40852{,}408 and 52,48052{,}480. Their digits match through the hundreds place:
    • 52,40852{,}408 has 00 tens.
    • 52,48052{,}480 has 88 tens.
    Since 0<80<8, 52,408<52,48052{,}408<52{,}480.

So, from least to greatest:

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

Learn by doing: Order whole numbers

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    Number Sense - Ordering 4 Integers (descending)

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