Just teaching numbers to kids is not enough. Along with this, we must also teach children what the greatest and smallest numbers are, to strengthen their number base. Learning about this will help them academically in future. But, how does one teach the greatest and smallest number to children?
To answer this question, in this article, we have covered everything your child would need to know on this topic. Continue reading to know more and help your child learn one of the most important mathematical concepts.
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How To Form the Biggest And Smallest Number
Let’s read about how to help kids to form the greatest and smallest numbers. This can be done by putting the digits in different places. Let’s explore this with the help of examples!
1) Two-Digit Number
When only two digits are given, we can form only two numbers using them. One will be the smallest, and the other will be the biggest number.
For example, Let the given digits be 7 and 2.
We can form only two numbers using these numbers only once, and those are – 27 and 72.
– To form the smallest number
Place the biggest digit at the unit place and the smallest digit at the tens place.
– To form the largest number
Place the smallest digit at the unit place and the biggest digit at the tens place.
This is how the smallest and biggest number will look like using two digits:
- Smallest number – 27
- Greatest number – 72
2) Three Digit Number
When three digits are given, one greatest and one smallest 3-digit numbers can be formed using each number once.
For example, let the digits be 2, 9 and 4.
– To form the smallest number
Place the biggest digit at the unit place, the second biggest at the tens place, and the smallest digit at the hundreds place.
– To form the biggest number
Place the smallest digit at the unit place, the second smallest digit at the tens place, and the biggest digit at the hundreds place.
This is how the smallest and biggest number will look like using three digits:
- Smallest number – 249
- Biggest number – 942
3) Four-Digit Number
When four digits are given, one greatest and one smallest 4-digit numbers can be formed using each number once.
For example, let the digits be 2, 5, 9 and 4.
– To form the smallest number
Place the biggest digit at the unit place, the second biggest at the tens place, the third biggest digit at the hundreds place and the smallest number at the thousands place.
– To form the biggest number
place the smallest digit at the unit place, the second smallest digit at the tens place, the third smallest at the hundreds place, and the biggest at the thousands place.
This is how the smallest and biggest number will look like using four digits:
- Smallest number – 2459
- Biggest number – 9542
4) Five-Digit Number
When five digits are given, one smallest and one greatest 5-digit numbers can be formed using each number once.
For example, let the digits be 9, 5, 7, 1 and 3.
– To form the smallest number
Place the biggest digit at the unit place and the remaining digits in descending order at tens, hundreds, thousands and ten thousands place.
– To form the biggest number
Place the smallest digit at the unit place and the remaining digits in ascending order from right to left, that is, at tens, hundreds, thousands and ten thousands place.
This is how the smallest and biggest number will look like using five digits.
- Smallest number – 13579
- Biggest number – 97531
Examples Of Formation Of The Greatest And Smallest Number
Help your child find the greatest and the smallest number by teaching them the examples given below. After reading these examples, your child will be able to identify and form the smallest and biggest numbers.
1. Form the biggest and the smallest number using the digits 5, 3, 9, 7 and 1.
Solution:
| Tth | Th | H | T | O |
| 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
So, the biggest number = 97531
And, the smallest number = 13579
2. What is the greatest number possible that can be formed using the digits given below if each digit is to be used once: 1, 5, 2, 7, 4?
Solution:
Start with the largest digit and end with the smallest 75421.
75421 in words is seventy-five thousand four hundred and twenty-one.
3. Find the greatest number using 2 and 9.
Solution:
Now from these two digits, 9 > 2
So, 9 should be at tens place and 2 is at the unit place.
So, the greatest number formed is 92.
4. Find the smallest number using 1 and 7.
Solution:
Now from these two digits, 1 < 7
So, 1 should be at tens place and 7 is at the unit place.
So, the smallest number formed is 17.
In order to understand how to make the smallest and greatest number, children must know the value of each number. Therefore, before teaching your child about the smallest and greatest number, make sure that your child is aware of the value of numbers and then move to this concept. Teach your child about forming the smallest and greatest number with the help of the guide and examples shared in the article above.
Also Read:
Same and Different Concepts for Children
Number Names for Kids to Improve Math Skills
Compare and Contrast for Children with Examples and Activities
