2.NBT.4: Compare Two Three-Digit Numbers

I can compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits.

What Your Child Needs to Know

This standard focuses on helping your child compare three-digit numbers by understanding the value of each digit. Students learn to use the symbols >, =, and < to record the results of comparisons.

Being able to compare numbers is an essential skill that builds on place value understanding. When comparing numbers, your child will learn to look at the hundreds place first, then the tens place, and finally the ones place. This skill helps with number sense, ordering, and eventually with more advanced math concepts.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Visual Models

1. Place Value Chart

Use a chart with columns labeled "Hundreds," "Tens," and "Ones" to help visualize and compare the value of each digit in two three-digit numbers.

2. Base-Ten Blocks

Use flat hundreds blocks, ten-rods, and unit cubes to represent and compare two three-digit numbers side by side.

3. Number Line

Place two three-digit numbers on a number line to visually see which one comes first (is less than) and which one comes after (is greater than).

4. Comparison Symbols Cards

Create cards with the symbols >, <, and = to place between numbers when making comparisons.

Everyday Activities

1. Number Hunt

Look for three-digit numbers in everyday life (page numbers, house numbers, prices) and practice comparing them using the correct symbols.

2. Comparison Card Game

Create cards with three-digit numbers and take turns drawing two cards and comparing them using >, <, or =.

3. Number Order Challenge

Give your child several three-digit numbers and ask them to arrange them in ascending or descending order.

4. Grocery Store Comparisons

Compare prices of items at the grocery store, focusing on items with three-digit prices.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Start with Smaller Numbers

Begin with comparing two-digit numbers before moving to three-digit numbers if your child is having difficulty.

2. Use Place Value Language

Consistently use terms like "hundreds," "tens," and "ones" when talking about comparing numbers.

3. Create Visual Supports

Use place value charts or base-ten blocks to help your child see the differences between numbers.

4. Teach the "Greater Gator" Trick

The symbol points to the smaller number, like a hungry alligator that always eats the bigger number (the open side faces the larger number).

5. Focus on One Place at a Time

Teach your child to compare the hundreds place first, then tens, then ones, stopping as soon as they find a difference.

5-Minute Practice Activities

Activity 1: Comparison Flash Cards

Create cards with pairs of three-digit numbers and have your child place the correct symbol (>, <, or =) between them.

Activity 2: Greater Than/Less Than Sort

Give your child a target number (like 500) and a set of three-digit number cards to sort into "greater than" and "less than" piles.

Activity 3: Number Line Placement

Draw a number line with some benchmarks (like 100, 500, 900) and have your child place given three-digit numbers in the correct positions.

Activity 4: Comparison Riddles

Give clues like "I'm thinking of a number that's greater than 352 but less than 400" and have your child identify possible answers.

Check Progress

Track improvement

By the middle of the year, your child should:

  • Compare two-digit numbers using >, =, and < symbols correctly
  • Begin comparing three-digit numbers with different hundreds digits
  • Understand that the hundreds place determines which number is greater when comparing numbers with different hundreds digits
  • Use place value language when explaining comparisons

By the end of the year, your child should:

  • Compare any two three-digit numbers using >, =, and < symbols correctly
  • Compare numbers with the same hundreds digits by looking at the tens place
  • Compare numbers with the same hundreds and tens digits by looking at the ones place
  • Order multiple three-digit numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least

Mastery Signs

Your child understands this concept when they can:

  • Correctly use comparison symbols (>, <, =) between any two three-digit numbers
  • Explain their comparison process using place value language
  • Identify which place value position to look at first when comparing numbers
  • Solve comparison word problems involving three-digit numbers
  • Order a set of three-digit numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least

Differentiation

Support for all learning levels

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on comparing two-digit numbers before moving to three-digit numbers.

Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

Standard practice with comparing three-digit numbers using place value understanding.

Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

Advanced practice with comparing and ordering multiple three-digit numbers and solving complex comparison word problems.

Download Challenge Worksheet