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KeyStage 2 Lower

Order numbers (1000 to 10000)

Lesson

Ordering numbers biggest to smallest

Let's try ordering some numbers from biggest to smallest. This is also known as descending order, or where the numbers decrease. Hint: think of "descending" some stairs, meaning going down the stairs. 

An easy way to do this is by scanning the number from left to right, comparing the size of the numbers in the largest place value column first. Start by identifying the largest number, or move onto the next column if they are the same value. Repeat this process until all of the numbers are in order. 

Let's watch this video for an example on how to do this. 

 

ORdering Numbers Smallest to Largest

Now let's order some numbers from smallest to largest. This is also known ascending order, or where the numbers increase.

Hint: think of "ascending as the opposite to "descending". 

We do this by scanning the number from left to right, comparing the size of the greatest value first. 

Let's watch this video for an example on how to do this. 

 

Symbols used 

We can use mathematical symbols to represent when one number is smaller or larger than another number. 

  $>$> means greater than (or more than, or larger than) 

  $<$< means less than (or smaller than)

For example, $300<400$300<400 means “$300$300 is less than $400$400.” 
Another example is, $1200>1000$1200>1000 means “one thousand, two hundred is greater than one thousand". 

 

Examples: 

question 1 

Order these numbers from biggest to smallest. Put a comma between each number.

  1. $2548,2458,2584$2548,2458,2584

  2. $4337,3347,4733$4337,3347,4733

question 2

Order these numbers so they are decreasing in value. Put a comma between each number.

  1. $3261,3126,3216$3261,3126,3216

  2. $3378,7833,7338$3378,7833,7338

question 3

Is the following statement true?

  1. $2318$2318 is less than $2234$2234

    True

    A

    False

    B

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