NUMBER

Ordering And Comparing Numbers

Learn the reliable method for ordering and comparing numbers, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Whole numbers are compared from their greatest place value.

Picture itGroup digits by their whole-number place
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Compare the number of digits first.
  2. If equal, compare from the left until the first different digit.
  3. Record the original numbers in the direction requested.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

Which is the greatest number?

  1. The leading digits match, so compare the remaining place values from left to right.
  2. 455,449 is greater than each of 454,639, 454,558, 454,449, 454,648.
Answer: 455,449
Example 2

Find the difference between the greatest and least of 453,250, 453,331, 453,340, 454,141.

  1. First identify the relevant place-value or representation relationship.
  2. Then the greatest is 454,141 and the least is 453,250; their difference is 891.
  3. Finally, check the result against every value or position stated in the question.
Answer: 891
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Record the original numbers in the direction requested.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.