Year 3 - Maths
Comparing and ordering numbers with 1, 2 and 3 digits
Representing 3-digit numbers, comparing and positioning on number lines
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will use knowledge of place value to represent a 3-digit number in different ways. They will compare and order 3-digit numbers and position on number lines and unmarked number lines.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare and order numbers with up to 3-digits.
Key Notes
- Place value representations help us to compare and order numbers with 1, 2 or 3 digits
- The symbols < and > can be used to compare numbers.
- When ordering or comparing 3-digit numbers, look at the 100s digit first, then the 10s digit, and then the 1s digit.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Compare: You can compare numbers to find out if one is more than or less than another.
- Order: You can order numbers from the smallest to the largest or from the largest to the smallest.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may find it challenging when comparing numbers made from the same digits (e.g. 245 and 254).
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Place value representations help us to compare and order numbers with 1, 2 or 3 digits. The symbols < and > can be used to compare numbers.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Compare'
You can compare numbers to find out if one is more than or less than another. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may find it challenging when comparing numbers made from the same digits (e.g. 245 and 254). Correction: Base ten blocks, place value grids and number lines can all be used so pupils can see the size of numbers and see which is larger.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Add and subtract to and from a 3-digit number bridging 100 Study Guide
- Count forwards and backwards in multiples of 2, 20, 5, 50 and 25 Study Guide
- Count forwards and backwards within 3-digits Study Guide
- Estimate the position of 3-digit numbers on unmarked number lines Study Guide
- Ordering sets of 3-digit numbers Study Guide
- Partition 3-digit numbers in different ways Study Guide
- Position 3-digit numbers on number lines Study Guide
- Represent a 3-digit number up to 1,000 in different ways Study Guide
- Solve problems by adding and subtracting to or from 3-digit numbers Study Guide
- Solve problems by counting forwards and backwards in multiples of 2, 20, 5, 50 and 25 Study Guide
- Use known facts to add and subtract multiples of 100 within 1000 Study Guide
- Use known facts to add and subtract to and from multiples of 100 Study Guide
- Use known facts to solve problems involving partitioning numbers Study Guide
- Write a 3-digit multiple of 10 as a multiplication equation Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 Maths guide library.