Ordering Large Numbers

If a series of large numbers are given, we would be interested in ranking or ordering them. We can either order them from the largest to the smallest or from smallest to the largest.

Rules for ordering large numbers

• The given larger numbers are put in a place value table.

• We know that the smallest place value is ones place and it is on the extreme right. The higher place values will be on left.

• We consider digits in the left most column or highest place value column and after comparing decide which is largest number.

• If there are more than one same digits in highest place value, then we compare the digits in the immediate right column.

• This process is repeated from left to right till we find the numbers from the largest to smallest.

Order the following numbers from the least to the greatest

362,239; 76,231; 4572; 125,987

Solution

Step 1:

We know that a number has more value if has more digits. So the number with the fewest digits will be the least in value while the number with the most number of digits will be the greatest.

Step 2:

Here we have one 4-digit number, one 5-digit number and two 6-digit numbers.

Step 3:

Obviously the 4-digit number 4572 is the least in value.

Step 4:

The 5-digit number 76,231 will be next in the order from least to the greatest.

Step 5:

Of the two 6-digit numbers, since 3 > 1, the number 125,987 will be next in order and lastly the number 362,239 will be the greatest in value.

Step 6:

Ordered from least to greatest the numbers are

4572 < 76,231 < 125,987 < 362,239

Order the following numbers from the least to the greatest

65,147; 7,316; 43,190; 254,873

Solution

Step 1:

We know that a number has more value if has more digits. So the number with the fewest digits will be the least in value while the number with the most number of digits will be the greatest.

Step 2:

Here we have one 4-digit number, two 5-digit numbers and one 6-digit numbers.

Obviously the 4-digit number 7,316 is the least in value.

Step 3:

Of the two 5-digit numbers, since 4 < 6, the number 43,190 will be next in order and followed by 65,147.

Step 4:

Lastly the only 6-digit number 254,873 will be the greatest in value.

Step 5:

Ordered from least to greatest the numbers are

7,316 < 43,190 < 65,147 < 254,873