CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.2
The Standard
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 digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Number and Operations in Base Ten
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read and write multi-digit whole numbers in standard form, word form, and expanded form. They compare numbers by checking place values from left to right, then record the comparison with >, <, or =.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students accurately move among standard form, number names, and expanded form, including numbers with zeros. They compare two multi-digit numbers from the greatest place left to right and use the correct symbol.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare numbers by length alone or focus on a digit without checking its place. They may reverse < and >, omit zero placeholders, or write expanded form using digits instead of place values.
How to Assess It
- Give students 406,072 and 460,027. Ask them to write each in words and expanded form, then compare them with <, >, or = and explain using place value.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs base-ten place value cards to build, read, and expand teacher-called numbers, including numbers with zeros in several places.
Ask students to explain in writing why 305,800 is greater than 305,080 without saying, “because it is bigger.”
Play Compare and Capture: partners draw digit cards, build six-digit numbers, compare them, and keep both numbers after stating the comparison correctly.
Use city populations from a printed table; students write two populations in words, expand them, and order all cities from least to greatest.
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Printable 4.NBT.A.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Number & Operations in Base Ten progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.4
Three-digit place-value comparison extends to larger numbers by comparing the value of digits in each place.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.3
Reading, naming, and expanding numbers to 1000 provides the place-value language needed for larger numbers and comparisons.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.1
Understanding each place as ten times the next supports expanded form and comparing digits by their place values.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.3a
Reading, writing, and expanding whole numbers by place value directly extends to decimal places and fractional place values.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.3
Rounding multi-digit numbers requires knowing each digit’s place value and using nearby place-value benchmarks to decide the rounded number.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.1
Reading, writing, and comparing whole numbers by digit values supports seeing adjacent places as ten times or one tenth.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.C.7a
Reading >, =, and < comparisons carries over to interpreting which number lies farther right or left on a number line.
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