Virginia SOL 2.NS.2.g
The Standard
Compare two whole numbers, each 999 or less, represented concretely, pictorially, or symbolically, using words (greater than, less than, or equal to) and symbols (>, <, or =). Justify reasoning orally, in writing, or with a model.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will demonstrate an understanding of the ten-to-one relationships of the base 10 number system to represent, compare, and order whole numbers up to 999.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students decide which of two numbers is greater, less, or equal by comparing hundreds, then tens, then ones. They use words, symbols, drawings, or base-ten models to show and explain their thinking.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student correctly compares numbers shown as numerals, base-ten blocks, or drawings. The student chooses the correct word and symbol, then explains the decision using hundreds, tens, and ones.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare the first digits they notice instead of starting with the hundreds place. They may reverse > and < or assume a number with more tens is always greater. They may also miscount base-ten blocks or read a place-value drawing incorrectly.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Draw base-ten models for 326 and 362, write >, <, or = between them, and explain which place decided the comparison.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs base-ten blocks to build two numbers, place a comparison symbol between them, and explain which place determined the answer.
Ask students to write why 482 is greater than 428 without saying, "because it is bigger."
Play Compare and Capture by drawing three digit cards, building numbers, and keeping both sets when the comparison is correct.
Compare prices on two pretend store tags under $10, using three-digit cent amounts and a sentence that explains the choice.
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Related Standards
- 1.NS.2.e
Compare two numbers between 0 and 120 represented pictorially or with concrete objects using the terms greater than, less than, or equal to.
- 4.NS.2.a
Compare two whole numbers up to seven digits each, using words (greater than, less than, equal to, not equal to) and/or using symbols (>, <, =, ≠).
- 3.NS.2.a
Compare two whole numbers, each 9,999 or less, using symbols (>, <, =, ≠) and/or words (greater than, less than, equal to, not equal to), with and without model...
- 4.NS.4.e
Compare using symbols (<, >, =) and/or words (greater than, less than, equal to) and order (least to greatest and greatest to least), a set of no more than four...
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