How do you compare whole numbers?

To compare whole numbers, look at their digits from left to right, starting with the highest place value.

When comparing whole numbers, the first step is to align them by their place values, ensuring that each digit is in the correct column. Start by comparing the digits in the highest place value (the leftmost digit). If the digits are different, the number with the larger digit in this place is the greater number. For example, when comparing 345 and 678, you start with the hundreds place: 3 vs 6. Since 6 is greater than 3, 678 is the larger number.

If the digits in the highest place value are the same, move to the next place value to the right and compare those digits. Continue this process until you find a place where the digits differ. For instance, when comparing 456 and 459, the hundreds and tens digits are the same (4 and 5, respectively), so you compare the units place: 6 vs 9. Since 9 is greater than 6, 459 is the larger number.

In cases where the numbers have different lengths, the number with more digits is the larger number. For example, 1234 is greater than 234 because it has an additional digit in the thousands place. This method ensures that you accurately determine which whole number is greater, smaller, or if they are equal.