Select the Correct Sign: Comparing 240,990 and 240,909

Q: Why do I start comparing from the left instead of the right?

The leftmost digits represent the highest place values! A difference in the thousands place matters much more than a difference in the ones place. Always work from most significant to least significant digits.

Q: What if the first few digits are the same?

That's normal! Keep moving right until you find the first digit that's different. In 240,990 vs 240,909, the first three digits match, but the hundreds place differs (9 vs 0).

Q: Do I need to compare all the digits?

No! Once you find the first different digit, you can stop. The number with the larger digit in that position is the greater number - no need to check the remaining digits.

Q: How can I double-check my answer?

Try subtracting the smaller number from the larger one: $ 240,990 - 240,909 = 81 $. Since the result is positive, your comparison is correct!

Q: What if I accidentally mix up the > and < symbols?

Remember: the wide part of the symbol points to the larger number! So $ 240,990 > 240,909 $ means 240,990 is greater than 240,909.

Number Comparison with Multi-Digit Values

Select the compatible sign:

$240,990\Box240,909$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Select the compatible sign:

$240,990\Box240,909$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Compare the digits of both numbers from left to right.
Step 2: Identify where the first differing digit occurs and determine which number is greater based on this difference.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Begin by comparing each digit of $240,990$ and $240,909$ from left to right.
- Both numbers share the digits 2, 4, and 0 in the hundred-thousands, ten-thousands, and thousands places, respectively.
Step 2: Next, the hundreds digits are compared. Here, $240,990$ has a 9, whereas $240,909$ has a 0.
- Since 9 is greater than 0, $240,990$ is the larger number.

Therefore, the sign that correctly compares $240,990$ and $240,909$ is $\boxed{>}$ .

Concluding the solution, $240,990 > 240,909$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Place Value Rule: Compare digits from left to right starting with highest place
Technique: First difference determines result: 240,990 vs 240,909 differs at hundreds place (9 > 0)
Check: Verify by confirming 240,990 - 240,909 = 81, so 240,990 > 240,909 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing all digits at once instead of left-to-right
Don't look at all digits randomly like comparing 990 vs 909 = wrong focus! This ignores place value importance and can give incorrect results. Always start comparing from the leftmost digit and stop at the first difference.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Select the appropriate sign:

$24,909\Box24,990$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I start comparing from the left instead of the right?

The leftmost digits represent the highest place values! A difference in the thousands place matters much more than a difference in the ones place. Always work from most significant to least significant digits.

What if the first few digits are the same?

That's normal! Keep moving right until you find the first digit that's different. In 240,990 vs 240,909, the first three digits match, but the hundreds place differs (9 vs 0).

Do I need to compare all the digits?

No! Once you find the first different digit, you can stop. The number with the larger digit in that position is the greater number - no need to check the remaining digits.

How can I double-check my answer?

Try subtracting the smaller number from the larger one: $240,990 - 240,909 = 81$ . Since the result is positive, your comparison is correct!

What if I accidentally mix up the > and < symbols?

Remember: the wide part of the symbol points to the larger number! So $240,990 > 240,909$ means 240,990 is greater than 240,909.

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