Comparing Three-Digit Numbers — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each pair as < or >.
First number is smaller (<)
45 vs 72234 vs 567123 vs 456 First number is bigger (>)
88 vs 56678 vs 345789 vs 432 Starting at the largest place value lets you decide quickly which number is bigger without checking every digit.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. 56 < 78
5 tens is less than 7 tens, so 56 is less than 78.
2. 234 < 567
234 has 2 hundreds and 567 has 5 hundreds, so 234 is smaller.
3. 678 > 345
678 has 6 hundreds and 345 has 3 hundreds, so 678 is bigger.
4. 123 < 789
1 hundred is much less than 7 hundreds, so 123 < 789.
5. 456 > 234
4 hundreds is more than 2 hundreds, so 456 is greater than 234.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. 234 < 567 is true.
True False
2 hundreds is less than 5 hundreds, so the statement is correct.
2. 789 < 456 is true.
True False
789 has 7 hundreds and 456 has 4, so 789 is actually greater.
3. The alligator mouth opens to the bigger number.
True False
The open side of > or < always faces the larger number.
4. When comparing 345 and 678 you start with the ones place.
True False
You always start with the hundreds place when comparing three-digit numbers.