The idea in brief. Start from the largest place and move right until two digits differ; the first place that differs decides, and it decides by the VALUE of the digits there. Then read the question's own word: ascending means smallest first, descending means greatest first, and the list is written in that order and no other.
Lesson video, with the working
Comparing and ordering
4 min 09 s
The film teaches 2 questions in turn. Each question shows first; its working is written as the film explains it.
ten thousands, thousands and hundreds are the same
compare the tens: 1 < 4
Ans: 58 214 < 58 241
Answer: 58 214 < 58 241
For parents
How can I support my child with P4 comparing numbers questions?
Your child compares and orders numbers up to 100 000 using the value of their digits.
What your child learns here
Your child compares and orders numbers up to 100 000 using the value of their digits. This is outcome 1.3 in the MOE Primary 4 whole numbers syllabus. The aim is to explain which place settles a comparison, then use that decision to arrange several numbers in the order requested.
Compare the number of digits first for positive whole numbers, then compare matching places from the left when the numerals have equal lengths.
Find the first place where two digits differ and explain why the places to its right cannot reverse that comparison.
Put a collection of numbers in ascending order, from smallest to greatest, or descending order, from greatest to smallest.
Use greater than and smaller than accurately when describing two numbers, including numbers with the same digits in different positions.
Test a proposed missing number against both neighbouring numbers, so that it satisfies every condition in an ordered list.
Does the answer make sense?
For a list arranged from greatest to smallest, your child can compare each adjacent pair and confirm that the left number is greater. If a missing number must fit between two bounds, checking just one neighbour is insufficient: the answer must satisfy both comparisons.
How to practise these questions
Basic practice compares two numerals and identifies the smallest number in a short list. The Intermediate questions add a missing digit under a comparison condition and ascending order with numbers of different lengths. Challenge questions use the same unknown digit in two places or present numbers in different forms before asking for descending order. Your child can first rewrite each quantity as a numeral, then identify the greatest place that decides each comparison. When a blank admits several digits, check every candidate against the whole condition. Finish by reading an ordered list in the direction requested and explaining one adjacent comparison in full. If comparing the written forms is difficult, members can follow the solution film after an attempt and pause at the first differing place.
Questions parents ask
Why should my child compare from the left? The greatest place carries the greatest value. When the ten thousands digits match, the thousands can decide; when those also match, compare the hundreds next. Reading the ones first does not establish which whole number is larger, because the earlier places may already settle it.
How can I help my child remember ascending and descending? Ask your child to say the requested order in ordinary words before arranging the numbers. Ascending means smallest first, while descending means greatest first. After writing the list, have your child read each number aloud and describe whether the amounts are increasing or decreasing.
Does a number containing more nines have to be greater? No. A digit's position matters more than how often it occurs. Your child can check the greatest place where the two numerals differ and explain the value of those digits. That gives a reason for the comparison even when the remaining digits look very different.
