4.2.C
The Standard
compare and order whole numbers to 1,000,000,000 and represent comparisons using the symbols >, <, or =
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare large whole numbers by checking digits from the greatest place value to the least. They order sets of numbers and use symbols to record each comparison.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student accurately orders numbers with different digits and zeros in various places. They explain that the first unequal place determines which number is greater.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may reverse the greater-than and less-than symbols. They may compare only the first few digits or overlook zeros within a number. Some assume a longer-looking number is always greater without checking place values.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Order 98,765,432, 98,756,432, 89,765,432, and 98,765,423 from least to greatest. Then compare the two greatest numbers using the correct symbol.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs digit cards and symbol cards, then have them build two numbers and place the correct comparison symbol between them.
Ask students to explain in writing which is greater, 405,090,100 or 405,900,010, using place-value language.
Play Number Line-Up by giving each student a large number card and having the class arrange themselves from least to greatest.
Use Texas city population data to rank five cities, then write two comparison statements about the data.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 1.2.G
represent the comparison of two numbers to 100 using the symbols >, <, or =
- 3.2.D
compare and order whole numbers up to 100,000 and represent comparisons using the symbols >, <, or =
- 5.2.B
compare and order two decimals to thousandths and represent comparisons using the symbols >, <, or =
- 2.2.D
use place value to compare and order whole numbers up to 1,200 using comparative language, numbers, and symbols (>, <, or =)
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