Virginia SOL 3.NS.2.b
The Standard
Order up to three whole numbers, each 9,999 or less, represented with and without models, from least to greatest and greatest to least.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will demonstrate an understanding of the base 10 system to compare and order whole numbers up to 9,999.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare numbers by checking thousands, then hundreds, tens, and ones until they find a difference. They arrange up to three numbers in the requested order, using numerals or place-value models.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly arrange three numbers in either direction. They explain comparisons by naming the first place where the digits differ and can use models when needed.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare only the first digit they notice or assume a longer-looking numeral is greater. They may also reverse the meaning of least to greatest and greatest to least.
How to Assess It
- Give students 3,905, 3,590, and 3,950. Ask them to order the numbers both ways and circle the place that determined each comparison.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs digit cards and place-value mats, then have them build three numbers and arrange the mats in a stated order.
Ask, “Which matters first when comparing 4,208 and 4,280?” Students write an answer and explain it to a partner.
Play Number Line-Up, where students draw three number cards, order them correctly, and earn a point after a partner checks.
Compare three library book checkout totals or sports attendance figures, then list them from lowest to highest and highest to lowest.
Free download
Printable 3.NS.2.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.NS.2.b, 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 worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- 7.NS.1.d
Compare and order no more than four numbers greater than 0 written in scientific notation. Ordering may be in ascending or descending order.*
- 4.NS.2.b
Order up to four whole numbers up to seven digits each, from least to greatest or greatest to least.
- 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...
- 2.NS.2.h
Order up to three whole numbers, each 999 or less, represented concretely, pictorially, or symbolically from least to greatest and greatest to least.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.