Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Official wording from the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (Β© 2010 National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers). View on thecorestandards.org
A number like 305,062 can be written three ways. Standard form uses digits: 305,062. Word form spells it out: three hundred five thousand, sixty-two. Expanded form shows the value of each digit: 300,000 + 5,000 + 60 + 2. Fourth graders move fluently between these forms for whole numbers up to 1,000,000, paying special attention to zeros, which hold a place even though they add no value.
Comparing two large numbers relies on the same understanding. Students line up the digits by place, start at the greatest place, and look for the first place where the digits differ. That place decides which number is larger, no matter what the smaller digits are. They record the result with the symbols >, = or <. Reading the comma groups (thousands, then ones) aloud helps students say very large numbers correctly. Being able to switch forms is practical too: expanded form makes mental addition easier, and word form is how numbers appear on checks and in news reports.
Writing "forty thousand, six" as 406 or 4,006 is common. Have students build the number on a place value chart so empty places visibly need a zero.
A student may say 9,870 is greater than 12,050 because 9 is bigger than 1. Count the digits first: a five-digit number is larger than a four-digit one.
Reading 405 as "four hundred and five" is common speech, but in math "and" marks a decimal point. Model the convention without making it a penalty.
Students sometimes write 3,402 > 3,420. Remind them the open side faces the larger number, and check by reading the sentence aloud.
Write 205,317 in expanded form and word form, then compare it with 250,137.
Answer: 205,317 = 200,000 + 5,000 + 300 + 10 + 7, read two hundred five thousand, three hundred seventeen, and 205,317 < 250,137.
A place value chart with comma groups drawn as separate "houses" (thousands house, ones house) helps students read big numbers: read each house like a three-digit number, then say the house name. Dictating numbers for students to write is a quick daily check on zeros.
Comparison items often use numbers with the same digits in different orders, such as 47,203 and 47,230, so the deciding place is far to the right. Practice with these close pairs rather than easy ones.
Original questions written for this standard. Choose an option or type your answer, then press Check. Every question has a worked explanation.
Answer: 40609 (also accepted: 40,609)
Forty thousand is 40,000, six hundred is 600 and nine is 9. With a zero in the tens place: 40,609.
Answer: A) 60,000 + 3,000 + 80 + 4
63,084 has 6 ten thousands, 3 thousands, 0 hundreds, 8 tens and 4 ones: 60,000 + 3,000 + 80 + 4.
Answer: B) <
The digits match until the tens place: 0 tens versus 3 tens. 0 is less than 3, so 47,203 < 47,230.
Answer: C) 102,345
The six-digit numbers are larger than the five-digit ones. Comparing 102,345 and 100,998, the thousands digits are 2 and 0, so 102,345 is greatest.
Answer: 520703 (also accepted: 520,703)
Add the place values: 5 hundred thousands, 2 ten thousands, 0 thousands, 7 hundreds, 0 tens and 3 ones gives 520,703.
Answer: A) three hundred eighteen thousand, fifty
Read the thousands group (318) then the ones group (050): three hundred eighteen thousand, fifty.
Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form.
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
A full lesson with slides, activities and an exit ticket on reading, writing and comparing large numbers, pitched to grade 4 and editable in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Make a lesson βA printable, differentiated worksheet on 4.NBT.A.2 with an answer key, ready in about a minute.
Make a worksheet βTurn reading, writing and comparing large numbers into a quiz students answer online that marks itself, with a class summary for you.
Build a test βCommon Core limits fourth grade whole-number work to numbers less than or equal to 1,000,000.
Count the digits first. If they have the same number of digits, compare from the left and stop at the first place where the digits differ.