How can you order three whole numbers with different numbers of digits without comparing the digits? Give an example. I think that I can use the same number with different place numbers like: 4, 44, 444; I don't have to compare numbers. Is this right? If not please help me.( 5th grade math)

You, are correct, order is not possible with identical elements.

word problems

Great question! To order three whole numbers with different numbers of digits without comparing the digits directly, you can consider the concept of place value.

Place value helps us understand the value of a digit in a number based on its position. In our decimal system, the places move from right to left in powers of 10 (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.).

To order numbers using place value, you start by comparing the highest place value (leftmost digit) of each number. If they are different, the number with the highest digit in the highest place value will be the largest. If they are the same, you move on to the next place value and continue the comparison.

For example, let's order the numbers: 8, 345, and 24.

Step 1: Compare the leftmost digit (highest place value)
- 8 (ones place)
- 345 (hundreds place)
- 24 (tens place)

Since 345 has the highest digit in the highest place value, it is the largest number.

Step 2: Compare the next highest place value
- 8 (ones place)
- 345 (tens place)
- 24 (ones place)

Since 345 has the highest digit in the tens place, it is still the largest number.

Step 3: Compare the next highest place value
- 8 (ones place)
- 345 (ones place)
- 24 (ones place)

Now, we can compare the ones place for all three numbers. Here, 345 and 24 have the same digit in the ones place (both are 5), but 8 is smaller. So the order is: 345, 24, 8.

Using this approach, you can order the numbers without directly comparing digits. Keep in mind that you move from left to right, comparing each place value until you find a difference or reach the end.