Curriculum › Grade 2 › Mathematics

Comparing Three-Digit Numbers

  • Grade 2
  • Mathematics
  • 2.NBT.A.4
  • Number & Operations in Base Ten
  • Free lesson

Aligned to 2.NBT.A.4 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

What this lesson teaches

To compare two numbers, look at the hundreds first. If they match, check the tens, then the ones. Use > (greater), < (less), or = (equal).

Worked examples

Example 1

Compare 342 and 337. Hundreds are equal (3=3). Tens: 4 is more than 3, so 342 > 337.

Example 2

Compare 189 and 91. 189 has a hundreds digit and 91 does not, so 189 > 91 — length of the number matters before the digits do.

Example 3

Compare 456 and 452. Hundreds match, tens match, so check the ones: 6 > 2, so 456 > 452.

Practice questions

  1. Compare 518 and 581 using >, <, or =.
  2. Compare 264 and 264 using >, <, or =.
  3. Compare 700 and 699 using >, <, or =.

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

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En español

Comparar números de tres dígitos

Para comparar dos números, mira primero las centenas. Si son iguales, revisa las decenas y luego las unidades. Usa > (mayor), < (menor) o = (igual).

Ejemplo 1: Compara 342 y 337. Las centenas son iguales (3=3). Decenas: 4 es más que 3, entonces 342 > 337.

Ejemplo 2: Compara 189 y 91. 189 tiene dígito de centenas y 91 no, así que 189 > 91 — el tamaño del número importa antes que los dígitos.

Ejemplo 3: Compara 456 y 452. Las centenas son iguales y las decenas también, así que mira las unidades: 6 > 2, entonces 456 > 452.

More Number & Operations in Base Ten lessons

Adding and Subtracting within 1002.NBT.B.5Hundreds, Tens, and Ones2.NBT.A.1Counting and Skip-Counting2.NBT.A.2Reading and Writing Numbers to 10002.NBT.A.3Adding Several Two-Digit Numbers2.NBT.B.6Adding and Subtracting within 10002.NBT.B.7

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