2nd Grade, Activity 163: Understand Place Value

Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons(Understand Place Value).

Write a Number

Group: Alone
Materials: Write a Number sheet

Write the symbols <, =, and > on the board. Remind students that these symbols tell us about the relative size of two numbers. Help students recall that the (<) symbol means “less than” and (>) means “greater than,” and that the “=” symbol means “the same as.” Explain that Mathematics is not always about “equals”, sometimes we need to know if a number is greater or less than another number.

Write the examples below on the board. Instruct several students to write numbers in the blanks that can make true comparative number sentences. Make sure students say the statements verbally.

503 <________

________ > 999

Distribute the Write a Number sheet to each student. Instruct students to write a number in the blanks that correctly compare the pair of numbers to make a true number sentence. Students must also insert a number in the blanks that will complete an ordered list of numbers from either least to greatest or greatest to least.