CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.4
The standard
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Number and Operations in Base Ten
What this standard means
Students need to compare two three-digit numbers by looking at hundreds first, then tens, then ones. They should explain why one number is greater, less, or equal using place value, not just number order. They also need to write the comparison with >, <, or =.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “436 is greater than 429 because both have 4 hundreds, but 436 has 3 tens and 429 has 2 tens,” then writing 436 > 429. Students often mix up the symbols, compare only the first digit they notice, or think more ones can beat fewer hundreds or tens.
Ways to teach it
- Give pairs base-ten blocks and two number cards, then have them build both numbers and place the correct comparison symbol between them.
- Ask students to explain in writing: Which is greater, 582 or 528, and how do you know from the digits?
- Show 347 __ 374 on a whiteboard and have students write >, <, or =, then circle the digit that helped them decide.
- Compare three-digit prices from a toy catalog and have students choose the cheaper item, then write the comparison sentence.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.4
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.3b
Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.3
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.7
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Recor...
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.2
Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digi...