Comparing three-digit numbers follows the same rule as smaller numbers: start with the biggest place. Compare the hundreds first, then the tens, then the ones.
What your child will learn
- Compare numbers up to 1,000
- Order sets of three-digit numbers
- Use <, > and = with three-digit numbers
Start with the hundreds
712 is bigger than 698 even though 698 has bigger tens and ones digits, because 7 hundreds beats 6 hundreds. Balance Bridge’s Year 3 quests are full of these “look carefully” moments.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. True or false? 705 is bigger than 591.
Show answer
Answer: True. 705 is bigger than 591. Compare the hundreds first.
2. Which number is bigger: 803 or 205?
- 205
- 803
Show answer
Answer: 803. 803 is bigger than 205. Compare the hundreds first.
3. Which number is smaller: 329 or 590?
- 590
- 329
Show answer
Answer: 329. 590 is bigger than 329. Compare the hundreds first.
Tips for grown-ups
- Compare distances, heights of buildings or prices of toys.
- Write three-digit numbers on cards and order them along a washing line.