When we compare numbers, we determine whether a number is smaller than, greater than or equal to another according to similarities and differences in their values.

An inequality compares values and is used to show that one number is not equal to another. The symbols < and > are used to indicate less than (<) or more than (>).

Compare numbers with up to eight digits

Maths

In this unit pupils will estimate the value and position of numbers, including negative numbers, on unmarked or partially marked number lines and calculate intervals across 0. In the future unit pupils will use their knowledge of the composition of seven-digit numbers to solve problems, adding and subtracting numbers whilst crossing the millions boundary.

 In the prior unit pupils identified and placed the position of 6-digit multiple of one thousand numbers on a marked, but unlabelled, number line. They read scales by using their knowledge of the composition of 10000 and 100000. In this unit pupils will use representations to identify and explain patterns in powers of 10 and read numbers with up to 7 digits efficiently.

Order, compare and calculate with numbers up to 8 digits

Fill in the missing inequality symbol (< or >) 
4,130,590 {{ }} 413,590

Fill in the missing inequality symbol (< or >) 
4,130,590 {{ }} 4,103,590

The mass of a tiger is about 310,000 g. A hippopotamus is about 1,300,000 g and a killer whale is about 3,628,000 g. Which animal is the heaviest?

On Monday, 8,034,420 children went to school in England. On Tuesday 8,043,420 children went to school. On Wednesday 8,043,240 children went to school. On which day did the most children attend school?

Starting with the smallest, put these numbers in ascending order.

Starting with the largest, put these numbers in descending order.

Look at these numbers. Select the number which is smallest.

Look at these numbers. Select the number which is greatest.

Look at these numbers. Which number is smallest?

Look at these numbers. Which number is greatest?

509 people visited a museum on Friday. On Saturday, 529 people visited the museum and on Sunday 592 people visited. Which day saw the most visitors?

Starter Quiz