Comparing Numbers: More Than Just Counting Digits . When comparing whole numbers, it’s tempting to say the number with more digits is larger—but that won’t work with decimals! A better strategy is to compare digits from the highest place value first, just like putting words in alphabetical order. . This approach helps students build a consistent strategy they can apply now and in the future. This lesson also reinforces reading large numbers and develops deeper number sense. . #themathematicsguy