Compare and order 4-digit numbers
I can use knowledge of place value to compare and order 4-digit numbers.
Compare and order 4-digit numbers
I can use knowledge of place value to compare and order 4-digit numbers.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Look at the thousands digit to compare and order if they are different.
- If the thousands digits are the same, look at the hundreds digit to compare and order if they are different.
- If the thousands and hundreds digits are the same, look at the tens digit to compare and order if they are different.
- If the thousands, hundreds and tens digits are the same, look at the ones digit to compare and order the numbers.
Keywords
Order - Put a set of numbers into their correct place following a rule: for example, from lowest to highest.
Compare - You can compare to find out what is the same and what is different.
Greater than - Bigger or larger in value or size. This can be shown using the symbol >
Less than - Smaller in value or size, referring to abstract or continuous number. This can be shown using the symbol <
Common misconception
Some pupils do not realise that it is not always necessary to consider all of the digits when comparing or ordering numbers. For example, when comparing 3,974 and 7,832, the thousands are different.
Develop a systematic approach, such that pupils always begin by checking to see if the thousands are the same, then if necessary the hundreds, then the tens, then the ones. Counters and place value grids can really help to exemplify this.
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Compare and order 4-digit numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Compare and order 4-digit numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Comparing, ordering and rounding 4-digit numbers unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
