Put your students’ knowledge of place values to the test with our set of 3-digit number comparison task cards.

In this activity, students will compare sets of 3-digit whole numbers and write on their recording sheet the appropriate symbol needed to complete the number sentence:  

> (greater than)

< (less than)

= (equal to)

Practice Comparing 3-Digit Numbers

This is best used as a math center activity or teaching resource for your mathematics small group. 

If working in pairs, students can practice with each other by saying the correct symbol that applies to each set of numbers, e.g., 293 is greater than 193. 

Turn This Activity into a Comparing Numbers Game for Your Whole Class! 

Check out these compare & order numbers activities to make math time an immersive experience:

Gallery Walk

Mix the cards up and hang them around the room. Working either alone or in pairs, assign a sorting card to each to start, and set your students loose with their recording sheet, stopping once they’ve completed each one.

Group Lesson 

No need to break out the scissors yet with this activity! Using your smartboard or another projection device, present the number sets as a whole sheet so that your students can work through the task cards as pairs. 

Math Lesson Exit Ticket

Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Have each student pick 3 sets of numbers to compare and write them with the appropriate symbol on a sticky note along with their name for a simplified formative assessment.

Change the Difficulty Level if Needed

After completing all of the task cards, challenge your students to write the numbers in word and expanded form. 

Support students who are struggling to understand the concept by encouraging use of a large number line to visualize the numbers. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print this comparing numbers game on cardstock for durability and longevity. Cut out the cards and punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring for your math center. 

To make this game more sustainable, print recording sheets on cardstock and place them in dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

Put the task cards, recording sheets, and answer key in a bag or large envelope for your math center. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

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This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a teacher in New York and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Put smiles on your students’ faces with activities that turn math time into play time!