What your learner will practice
Multi-step thinking. Fourth graders practice larger numbers, fractions, decimals and multi-step reasoning. Encourage estimation as a way to check answers.
With comparing numbers in Grade 4, the goal is to build understanding and to explain the method, not just get a number. Take breaks and repeat short sessions when needed.
How to solve comparing numbers problems
- 1Line numbers up by place value if needed.
- 2Compare the largest positions first, then move right.
- 3Choose the correct symbol: <, >, or =.
Common mistake to watch for
The open side of the symbol faces the larger number.
Try these six examples
Read each question, solve on paper, and then check the answer. The full printable sets below provide 20 new problems each.
- 7,461 ____ 9,238 (<, >, or =) Answer: <
- 3,688 ____ 7,332 (<, >, or =) Answer: <
- 2,025 ____ 7,696 (<, >, or =) Answer: <
- 230 ____ 9,718 (<, >, or =) Answer: <
- 150 ____ 5,445 (<, >, or =) Answer: <
- 1,529 ____ 4,954 (<, >, or =) Answer: <
Helpful teaching idea
Use two groups of objects and say which group has more.
Ask for a strategy before computation. Show how to check a result with the reverse operation.