Understand How to Order Large Numbers

In this activity, we will place large numbers in ascending (increasing) order of size.

Numbers will be no larger than 10 million (10,000,000).

We will group digits in threes, placing commas between each group.

4,578,025 is the number 4 million, 578 thousand, and 25.

When comparing two numbers, think of placing each digit into the usual columns.

Then start comparing the digits in each column from the left.

If the digits match in the column being compared, move one column to the right and compare those digits.

Example

Place in ascending order:

4,146,302    4,145,984    5,110,243

Answer

When placed in columns, we can compare the millions.

The number with 5 million is the largest, so this will go last.

Compare the two numbers beginning with 4 million.

The smaller of the two is 4,145,984. (The first three digits match, so compare the thousands column.)

1 (smallest)   4,145,984

2                     4,146,302

3 (largest)      5,110,243

Let's have a go at some questions now.