Use Place Value to Compare Two Numbers!

Let’s Learn with the Abacus!

What's an Abacus?

It's a colorful counting tool made up of rods and beads. Each rod stands for a place in a number.

What are Place Values?

Each digit in a number has its own place and value depending on where it appears. For example, in 4,231:

• Thousands – 4 (🎈🎈🎈🎈)
• Hundreds – 2 (🎈🎈)
• Tens – 3 (🎈🎈🎈)
• Ones – 1 (🎈)

How Does It Work?

Count the beads on each rod to figure out the number. One abacus shows one number.

What Do You Do?

Look at the two abacuses. Decide which number is bigger or smaller.

Then choose the correct sign to compare them:

• < means the first number is less than the second.
• = means both numbers are equal.
• > means the first number is greater than the second.