MAFS.2.NBT.1.4 Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.

Cognitive Complexity Level: 2 – Basic Application of Skills and Concepts

[divider] [/divider] Students are able to… 

  • Use concrete materials to compare two 3-digit numbers and refer to models while explaining reasoning.
  • Describe comparisons using precise language (greater than, less than, equal to, same as) and record them using symbols (<, >, =).
  • Justify reasoning as they compare two 3-digit numbers. For example, “I know 258 is less than 285 because I saw that both numbers have 2 hundreds but 285 has 8 tens where 258 only has 5 tens making 258 less than 285.”

[divider] [/divider] Students are able to…because teachers:

  • Engage students in multiple learning experiences where they explore comparing two 3-digit numbers using a variety of materials (base ten blocks, hundreds chart, number lines).
  • Pose questions such as “which is greater” or “which is lesser” eliciting student explanation of how they compare the numbers.
  • Facilitate student discussion about comparing two 3-digit numbers and how to record the comparisons using symbols.

 [divider] [/divider] Questions to ask students:

  • Ask:  Ask students to compare 276 and 267.
    • Sample answer that indicates understanding: “276 is greater than 267 because it has one more ten than 267.”
    • Sample answer that indicates an incomplete understanding or a misconception: “276 is greater because 7 is greater than 6” “They are equal”
  • Ask: Ask students when comparing two 3-digit numbers which place value do you look at first and why?
    • Sample answer that indicates understanding: “I look at the hundreds place because it is greater than the tens and ones. If the numbers have the same digit in the hundreds then I look at the next greatest place value the tens place.”
  • Ask: Ask students how they could prove that 308 is greater than 299.
    • Sample answer that indicates understanding: “There are 3 hundreds in 308 and 299 only has 2 hundreds.” (Student might use base ten blocks/quick pictures/ number line/ hundreds chart to support reasoning).

[divider] [/divider] Additional Resources:

Additional in depth content knowledge

Video: Compare two 3-digit numbers by comparing number parts

https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/6392-compare-two-3-digit-numbers-by-comparing-number-parts

[divider] [/divider] Sample Formative Assessment Tasks:

[divider] [/divider] Resources/Tasks to Support Your Child at Home:

  • Compare War.  Using a deck of cards Ace-9 (ace represents 1), have each player choose 3 cards to create a three-digit number.  The person with the greatest number wins the rounds and takes the cards.  The person at the end with the most cards wins the game.
  • Kahn Academy Tutorial Video: Comparing Whole Numbers  
  • LearnZillion Instructional Video: Compare Two 3-Digit Numbers by Comparing Number Parts