NumberKey Facts
Ordering Numbers - The Step-by-Step Method
Part of Place Value & Ordering — GCSE Mathematics
This key facts covers Ordering Numbers - The Step-by-Step Method within Place Value & Ordering for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Place Value & Ordering in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 13 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 5 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 5 of 12
Practice
13 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Ordering Numbers - The Step-by-Step Method
For whole numbers:
- Compare the number of digits first (more digits = bigger number)
- If same number of digits, compare from left to right
- Find the first column where digits differ
- The number with the larger digit in that column is bigger
For decimals:
- Compare the whole number parts first
- If whole parts are equal, line up the decimal points
- Add zeros to make all decimals the same length
- Compare digit by digit from left to right after the decimal point
For negative numbers:
- All negative numbers are less than all positive numbers
- For negative numbers: closer to zero = bigger (e.g., -2 > -5)
- Think of a number line: left is smaller, right is bigger