Comparison of Numbers

The reading material provided on this page for Comparison of Numbers is specifically designed for students in grades 5 and 6.

Comparison of Numbers

Comparison of numbers refers to the process of determining which number is greater, smaller or equal to another number. The result of comparison can be expressed in terms of symbols like > (greater than), < (less than) or = (equal to).

Comparison of numbers is a process of finding out which number is greater than, less than or equal to another number. We use three symbols to compare numbers:

• Equal to (=) means both numbers have the same value.

For example, 5 = 5

• Greater than (>) means the first number is larger than the second number.

For example, 8 > 6

• Less than (<) means the first number is smaller than the second number.

For example, 3 < 7

Comparison of Whole Numbers

To compare two whole numbers, you can use the following steps:

Case 1: If two numbers have same number of digits

• Compare the digits at the highest place value (left-most digit) of the two numbers. The number with the higher digit is greater. If the digits are equal, move on to the next highest place value.
• Repeat step 1 for the next highest place value. Keep moving to the right until the digits at all place values have been compared.

Case 2: If two numbers have different number of digits

• If two numbers have different number of digits, then number that is having more digits is greater.

For example, 65124 is greater than 651.

Comparison of Integers

To compare two integers, follow the steps given below:

1. If the two integers have different signs, then the integer with the positive sign is greater.

For example, -5 is less than 2 because 2 has a positive sign.

2. If the two integers have the same negative sign. The integer with the greater absolute value is smaller.

For example, -10 is smaller than -5.

3. If the two integers have the same sign and the same absolute value, then they are equal.

For example, 3 is equal to 3.

NOTE: It's important to note that these rules only apply to integers, which are whole numbers and their negatives. If you need to compare fractions, decimals or mixed numbers different methods may be necessary.