Max Maths, Year 5, Learn together, Comparing and ordering numbers within 1000000 (3)

In this engaging activity from Max Maths for Year 5, students are tasked with comparing and ordering a set of three numbers, each within the range of one million. The exercise requires pupils to identify the greatest and smallest numbers by examining the digits in each place value, beginning with the highest. The numbers presented for comparison are 666,809, 115,507, and 122,536. The key to solving this puzzle lies in understanding the significance of each digit according to its position, from ones through to hundred thousands.

The process starts by looking at the hundred thousands place, which is the highest value in these examples. With digits of 5, 2, and 3 in the hundred thousands place for the three numbers respectively, students can determine that 500,116, which has 5 hundred thousands, is the greatest number. Conversely, 258,016, with 2 hundred thousands, is the smallest. Once these determinations are made, students can then order the numbers from smallest to greatest and vice versa. It's important to note that even though all numbers have a 6 in the ones place, they are not equal; the correct method is to compare starting from the highest place value. This exercise not only sharpens pupils' understanding of numerical values but also reinforces their ability to critically analyse and organise numerical data.