Year 4 - Maths
Compare and order 4-digit numbers
Comparing, ordering and rounding 4-digit numbers
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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 compare and order 4-digit numbers. They will learn what rounding is and will round 4-digit numbers to the nearest thousand, hundred and ten.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use knowledge of place value to compare and order 4-digit numbers.
Key Notes
- Look at the thousands digit to compare and order if they are different.
- If the thousands digits are the same, look at the hundreds digit to compare and order if they are different.
- If the thousands and hundreds digits are the same, look at the tens digit to compare and order if they are different.
- If the thousands, hundreds and tens digits are the same, look at the ones digit to compare and order the numbers.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Order: Put a set of numbers into their correct place following a rule: for example, from lowest to highest.
- Compare: You can compare to find out what is the same and what is different.
- Greater than: Bigger or larger in value or size. This can be shown using the symbol >
- Less than: Smaller in value or size, referring to abstract or continuous number. This can be shown using the symbol <
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Some pupils do not realise that it is not always necessary to consider all of the digits when comparing or ordering numbers. For example, when comparing 3,974 and 7,832, the thousands are different.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Look at the thousands digit to compare and order if they are different. If the thousands digits are the same, look at the hundreds digit to compare and order if they are different.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Order'
Put a set of numbers into their correct place following a rule: for example, from lowest to highest. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Some pupils do not realise that it is not always necessary to consider all of the digits when comparing or ordering numbers. For example, when comparing 3,974 and 7,832, the thousands are different. Correction: Develop a systematic approach, such that pupils always begin by checking to see if the thousands are the same, then if necessary the hundreds, then the tens, then the ones. Counters and place value grids can really help to exemplify this.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Explain what rounding is and round a 4-digit number to the nearest thousand Study Guide
- Round a 4-digit number to the nearest hundred and ten Study Guide
- Round a 4-digit number to the nearest thousand, hundred and ten Study Guide
- Use place value and number facts to decompose 4-digit numbers in different ways Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 4 Maths guide library.