Before we try and order 5-digit numbers, let's check we know how to read and write them.
Write the following using numerals:
fifty thousand, five hundred and fifty five
In a place value table, five-digit numbers start in the tens of thousands column and have a digit in each column down to the units.
Let's use a number line to order 5-digit numbers.
We want to work out which of three numbers is the largest.
Plot 41\,590, 41\,690, and 41\,490 on the number line below.
Write the three numbers from smallest to largest.
The smaller a number is, the further to the left on a number line it is.
The larger a number is, the further to the right on a number line it is.
This time we will see how to use a place value table to order 5-digit numbers.
Order these numbers from largest to smallest.
60\,679,70\,966,70\,669
95\,036,90\,536,95\,306
To determine the largest or smallest number in a pair, or set, of numbers, we can compare the furthermost left place value digits. If they are the same, we move to the right, one place at a time, until they are different.
We can also use the 'greater than' (\gt) or 'less than' (\lt) symbol to compare two numbers, remembering that the 'greater than' sign has the big part towards the larger number, and the 'less than' symbol has the small part towards the smaller number.