Maryland Math 4.NOS.A.1.c

Math4th GradeNumber and Operation Sense

The Standard

4.NOS.A.1
Apply and extend place value understanding to multi-digit whole numbers within 1,000,000.
Compare two multi-digit numbers by reasoning about the values of the digits and the location of the numbers on a number line. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · GENERALIZE PLACE VALUE UNDERSTANDING FOR MULTI-DIGIT WHOLE NUMBERS.

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students compare whole numbers by checking the largest place value first, then moving right until the digits differ. They locate numbers on a number line and use >, <, or = to record the comparison.

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can explain why 47,206 < 47,260 by looking at the tens place. They place 47,206 to the left of 47,260 on a labeled number line and use = when two values match.

Common Misconceptions

Students may compare the last digits first and say 46,208 is greater than 46,280 because 8 is greater than 0. Some reverse < and >, or space numbers evenly on a number line without checking its scale.

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Plot 48,305 and 48,350 on a number line from 48,300 to 48,400. Write their comparison using <, >, or = and name the place that decides the order.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Build 46,208 and 46,280 with place-value disks, then plot them on a number line from 46,200 to 46,300.

  2. Ask students to explain why 53,402 > 52,999 even though 999 > 402, using place values and a number line.

  3. Write 34,219, 34,291, 34,219, and 34,250 on cards; partners draw two, plot them on a 34,200-to-34,300 number line, and choose a comparison symbol.

  4. Compare annual library visit counts of 12,450 and 12,540 on a number line from 12,400 to 12,600, then write the comparison.

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