Putting things in order from smallest to largest is called sorting.
👆 These objects are sorted from smallest to largest.
Just like we can sort objects, we can also sort numbers!
Unsorted
7, 1, 5, 3
Sorted
1 < 3 < 5 < 7
Let's sort these numbers from smallest to largest.
42, 96, 51, 90
First, find the smallest number.
To do this, we need to compare each number.
When comparing numbers, always start from the digits with the highest place value.
Which number has the smallest digit in the Tens place? 🤔
Correct! 👍 42 has the smallest digit in the Tens place.
So, 42 is the smallest number.
Let's write that down.
42
Now, let's compare the other three numbers. Which is the next smallest?
The next smallest number is 51. Let's write that down.
42 < 51
Now, compare the last two numbers. ✅
Both numbers have the same digit in the Tens place.
If the digits in a place value are equal, compare the digits at the next place value on the right (👉).
So, we compare the digits in the Ones place.
90 is the next smallest number.
42 < 51 < 90
96 is the largest number of all. It's the last one left.
So, the numbers, sorted from smallest to largest, are:
42 < 51 < 90 < 96
Awesome!
Now, let's try sorting numbers in the opposite order - from largest to smallest.
We start from the largest number and arrange the numbers in decreasing order.
Let's try sorting these numbers from largest to smallest. 👇
830, 838, 871, 835
Start by comparing the digits at the highest place value.
These digits are all equal.
So, we move on to compare the digits in the next place value on the right (👉).
Which number has the largest digit?
That's right! 871 has the largest digit in the Tens place.
So, 871 is the largest number.
Let's write that down.
871
Now, we'll compare the rest of the numbers.
Which is the next largest number?
You got it! 👍
838 is the next largest number.
871 > 838
What's the next largest?
Very good! 835 is the next largest.
871 > 838 > 835 > 830
You did it!
Congratulations. You now know how to sort numbers!
Start your practice below.