Writing to Explain: Which is greater, the greatest whole number with 5 digits or the least whole number with 6 digits?

The greatest whole number with 5 digits is 99,999

The least whole number with 6 digits is
100,000

Thanks Bob!

To determine which is greater, the greatest whole number with 5 digits or the least whole number with 6 digits, we need to compare the values of these numbers.

The greatest whole number with 5 digits is obtained by using the highest digit in each position. In the decimal number system, the highest digit is 9. Therefore, the greatest whole number with 5 digits is 99,999.

On the other hand, the least whole number with 6 digits is obtained by using the lowest non-zero digit as the first digit, followed by using the highest digit in each remaining position. In the decimal number system, the lowest non-zero digit is 1, and the highest digit is 9. Thus, the least whole number with 6 digits is 100,000.

To compare these two numbers, we can see that the greatest whole number with 5 digits (99,999) is less than the least whole number with 6 digits (100,000). Therefore, the least whole number with 6 digits is greater than the greatest whole number with 5 digits.

In summary, the least whole number with 6 digits is greater than the greatest whole number with 5 digits.