A Differentiated Ordering Large Numbers Activity

This ordering large numbers sorting activity can be used with a wide variety of grades and skill levels, as it includes six sorts with numbers from five to nine digits long.  Students simply choose a card set and order the numbers from least to greatest on their sorting mats. 

Sorts included are:

• Numbers in the ten thousands and hundred thousands
• Numbers in the hundred thousands and millions
• Numbers in the millions and ten millions
• Numbers in the ten and hundred millions
• Numbers in the hundred millions
• Numbers from one million to the hundred millions

Answer keys for all sorts are included, making this activity well-suited for stations, guided groups and independent practise. We recommend printing this ordering large numbers sort on cardboard and laminating it for longevity.

How to Sort Numbers in Order

If your students need a bit of help learning how to sort numbers in order, here are some tips you can give them! 

• Count the Digits: Start by counting the number of digits in each number. If you are comparing two whole numbers, the number with more digits will be greater.
• Use Place Value: If the numbers have the same number of digits, compare them from left to right, starting with the highest place value. Once one of the compared digits is larger, that number is larger as well.
• Use a Number Line: Put the numbers on a number line to make it easier to see their relative sizes and positions.

Easily Claim This “Order the Numbers” Sort  

This ordering large numbers sort is available in both easy-to-print PDF and Google Slides format. Just click the arrow on the download button to grab this “order the numbers” resource in the format of your choice. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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