Compare each pair of whole numbers without subtracting. Write \(<\), \(=\), or \(>\), and name the first place value that decides the comparison. If every digit matches, write “all places match.”
a) \(240{,}080\ \square\ 240{,}800\)
b) \(609{,}999\ \square\ 610{,}001\)
c) \(74{,}305\ \square\ 74{,}305\)
d) \(502{,}410\ \square\ 502{,}401\)
e) \(999{,}999\ \square\ 1{,}000{,}000\)
Hints
- Compare from the greatest place value toward the ones place.
- Stop at the first place where corresponding digits differ.
- A number with more digits is greater than a positive whole number with fewer digits.
Solution
1. a) The first differing place is the hundreds place: \(0<8\), so \(240{,}080<240{,}800\).
2. b) The first differing place is the ten-thousands place: \(0<1\), so \(609{,}999<610{,}001\).
3. c) Every corresponding digit matches, so the numbers are equal.
4. d) The first differing place is the tens place: \(1>0\), so \(502{,}410>502{,}401\).
5. e) A seven-digit whole number is greater than any six-digit whole number, so \(999{,}999<1{,}000{,}000\).
Answer
a) \(240{,}080<240{,}800\); hundreds place.
b) \(609{,}999<610{,}001\); ten-thousands place.
c) \(74{,}305=74{,}305\); all places match.
d) \(502{,}410>502{,}401\); tens place.
e) \(999{,}999<1{,}000{,}000\); number of digits.