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Summaries · Grade 5 Maths › Compare and order numbers
Free summary · Grade 5 Maths

Compare and order numbers

Comparing numbers with >, < and =, and putting them in ascending or descending order. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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Bigger or smaller?

  1. Count the digits: more digits = bigger number (whole numbers).
  2. Same number of digits? Compare from the left, place by place.
  3. The first place that differs decides.
SignMeaningExample
>greater than5 431 > 5 413
<less than2 099 < 2 100
=equal to3 000 = 3 000
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Ascending and descending

  • Ascending order: from small to big: 213; 231; 312.
  • Descending order: from big to small: 312; 231; 213.
Meerkat tip

The open mouth of > and < always eats the bigger number.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • More digits = bigger whole number.
  • Compare from the left, place by place.
  • > greater than, < less than.
  • Ascending = small to big; descending = big to small.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

The crocodile eats the bigger number.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

    Now the real quiz!

    The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

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    For parents
    • Let your child work the examples on paper and explain them to you.
    • The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.

    Follows CAPS for Grade 5 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

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