Compare whole numbers using symbols =, <, and >

1. Look at the number of digits first. The number with more digits is greater.
2. If both numbers have the same number of digits, compare from the left (the highest place value).
3. The first digit that is different tells you which number is greater.

Example 1: Compare 8900 and 8090

$8900 \quad ? \quad 8090$

Both have four digits. Compare the thousands place: 8 = 8 (equal). Compare the hundreds place: 9 > 0. Therefore:

$8900 > 8090$

Example 2: Compare 3220 and 3220

$3220 \quad ? \quad 3220$

All digits are the same, so the numbers are equal:

$3220 = 3220$

Example 3: Compare 3240 and 3420

$3240 \quad ? \quad 3420$

Both have four digits. Thousands: 3 = 3. Hundreds: 2 < 4. Therefore:

$3240 < 3420$

Example 4: Compare 715 and 517

$715 \quad ? \quad 517$

Both have three digits. Compare the hundreds: 7 > 5. Therefore:

$715 > 517$

• The > symbol looks like an arrow pointing to the smaller number, or a mouth open toward the bigger number
• Read 5 > 3 as "five is greater than three"
• Read 3 < 5 as "three is less than five"

When comparing numbers, always check:

• How many digits does each number have?
• If digits are the same, compare from left to right
• Place the correct symbol between the numbers

In Tanzanian daily life, you compare numbers when shopping at the market. For example, if a bag of maize flour costs TSh 12,000 and a different brand costs TSh 10,500, you can write $12,000 > 10,500$ to know which one costs more. Comparing prices helps you decide which item to buy with your money.