Comparison of One-digit Numbers

What are the rules for the comparison of one-digit numbers?

The comparison of one-digit numbers depends on their values. The value of a number is found by adding the place values of the digits. The value of a one-digit number is its face or place value. The place value or face value of the digit of a single digit number is the same.

We know:

If we compare one-digit numbers, the number which has the greater value (face value or place value) is greater than the number which has the smaller value, as shown above.

We also know: 8 < 10 or 10 > 8

The value of 10 is greater than 8.

The value of 8 is lesser than 10.

Similarly, 7 > 3 or 3 < 7 The value of 7 is greater than 3.

The value of 3 is lesser than 7.

Arranging 1-Digit Numbers:

(i) Arranging the numbers 7, 5, 1, 6, 9 in ascending order:

The numbers are arranged in ascending order 1, 5, 6, 7, 9.

(ii) Arranging the numbers 4, 8, 2, 5, 6 in descending order:

The numbers are arranged in descending order 8, 6, 5, 4, 2.

Thus, any two-digit number is always greater than a one-digit number.

10 > 9,  12 > 7,  11 > 5,  etc. 

Comparing 1-Digit Numbers Using Number Line:

Look at the numbers on the number line.

• A number on the left is always smaller than a number on the right.

For example,

     3 < 7

     8 < 9

     1 < 4

• A number on the right is always greater than a number on the left.

For example,

     6 > 2

     9 > 5

     3 > 1

Worksheet on Comparison of One-digit Numbers:

1. Fill >, < or = in the blank.

(i) 7 _____ 3

(ii) 3 _____ 5

(iii) 6 _____ 1

(iv) 1 _____ 4

(v) 8 _____ 6

(vi) 8 _____ 8

(vii) 2 _____ 1

(viii) 4 _____ 9

(ix) 4 _____ 1

(x) 5 _____ 9

(xi) 2  _____ 2

(xii) 1 _____ 8

Answer:

1. (i) 7 > 3

(ii) 3 < 5

(iii) 6 > 1

(iv) 1 < 4

(v) 8 > 6

(vi) 8 = 8

(vii) 2 > 1

(viii) 4 < 9

(ix) 4 > 1

(x) 5 < 9

(xi) 2 = 2

(xii) 1 < 8

3rd Grade Math Lessons

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