Second Grade · Math · week 6

Comparing 3-digit numbers

Compare two 3-digit numbers using greater than, less than, and equal signs by comparing place values left to right.

To compare two 3-digit numbers, look at the hundreds first. The bigger hundreds digit wins. If the hundreds match, look at the tens. If those match too, look at the ones.

The symbols > and < point at the smaller number, like a hungry mouth opening toward the bigger amount.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Model the left-to-right rule out loud every time: hundreds, then tens, then ones -- never start at the ones place.
  • Draw the > and < signs as an open mouth eating the bigger number to help remember direction.
  • Use real examples: comparing prices, ages, or distances around the house.
  • When hundreds tie, cover the hundreds digit with a finger and compare what is left, like a smaller problem.
Talk about it:
  • Why do we compare hundreds first instead of ones first?
  • What is a trick to remember which way the > sign opens?
  • If the hundreds and tens both match, what do you check next?

Mastery looks like: They correctly compare any two 3-digit numbers and use >, <, or = to show the relationship.

Common stumbles: Comparing the ones digit first out of habit; confusing which way the > and < symbols point.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

Place ValueWatch ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands build big numbers.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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