Understanding Numbers in Class 3 Maths Chapter 1

Class 3 Maths Chapter 1 opens a new world of 4-digit numbers. Until now, we have worked comfortably with 3-digit numbers up to 999. This chapter takes us one step further to 1,000 and beyond. Numbers are all around us in the price of a shirt at a shop, the number of students in a school, the score in a cricket match, etc. This guide explains every concept from the chapter in a friendly, easy-to-follow way, with clear examples, real-life connections, and free printable worksheets at the end.

Table of Contents

• Reading and Writing 4-Digit Numbers
• Place Value and Face Value
• Expanded Form of Numbers
• Even and Odd Numbers
• Comparing Numbers and Ordering Numbers
• Forming the Greatest and Smallest 4-Digit Numbers

Reading and Writing 4-Digit Numbers

When we add 1 to the greatest 3-digit number (999), we get the smallest 4-digit number, 1,000 (one thousand). A 4-digit number has four places: Thousands, Hundreds, Tens and Ones.

 

For example: The number above is 1,236. It has 1 thousand, 2 hundreds, 3 tens and 6 ones. We read it as: one thousand two hundred thirty-six.

Place Value and Face Value

Place value depends on where the digit sits. Face value is always the digit itself, it never changes.

Let's take the number 5,342.

Th  H  T  O

5   3   4   2

• Place value of 5 = 5 thousands = 5,000

• Place value of 3 = 3 hundreds = 300

• Place value of 4 = 4 tens = 40

• Place value of 2 = 2 ones = 2

• Face value of 5 in 5,342 = 5

• Face value of 3 in 5,342 = 2

• Face value of 4 in 5,342 = 4

• Face value of 2 in 5,342 = 2

Expanded Form of Numbers

The expanded form of a number shows the sum of the place values of all its digits. 

3,000 + 600 + 50 + 4 = 3,654

Even and Odd Numbers

If objects can be perfectly arranged in pairs with nothing left over, the count is an even number. If one is left out without a pair, it is an odd number.

Comparing Numbers and Ordering Numbers

Comparing numbers tells us which is greater, which is lesser, or if they are equal. There are five clear rules to follow.

1. More digits = Greater number

A 4-digit number is always greater than a 3-digit number.

3,756 > 868 (4 digits vs 3 digits)

2. Compare thousands if same number of digits 

6,012 vs 4,211 as 6 > 4 in thousands place 6,012 > 4,211

3. Compare hundreds if the thousands are same

5,229 vs 5,490 has same thousands, 2 < 4 in hundreds.

∴ 5,229 < 5,490

4. If the number has same hundreds, compare tens

2,865 vs 2,847 has same thousands & hundreds, 6 > 4 in tens.

∴ 2,865 > 2,847

5. If the number has same tens then compare ones

7,561 vs 7,567 has same thousands, hundreds & same up to tens, 1 < 7 in ones.

∴ 7,561 < 7,567

Ascending and Descending Order

Ascending order = smallest to greatest (going up, like climbing stairs). 

Descending order = greatest to smallest (going down, like coming down a slide).

For example : Arrange in ascending order: 7961, 1238, 6543, 5,427, 8,000

All 4-digit numbers. Compare the thousands digits: 1 < 5 < 6 < 7 < 8

1,238 < 5,427 < 6,543 < 7,961 < 8,000

Forming the Gratest and Smallest 4-Digit Numbers

Using the same set of 4 digits, we can form many different numbers. Arranging in ascending order gives the smallest number. Arranging in descending order gives the greatest number.

For example:

1. The smallest 4-digit number using digits: 2, 8, 3, 4

Ascending order of digits: 2 < 3 < 4 < 8

Place the smallest first: 2 → 3 → 4 → 8

Smallest number = 2,348

2. The greatest 4-digit number using digits: 6, 2, 4, 1

Descending order: 6 > 4 > 2 > 1

Place the greatest first: 6 → 4 → 2 → 1

Greatest number = 6,421

Complete this worksheet to reinforce everything you've learned about Numbers.

Click here to download the free PDF of worksheet on Chapter 1: Numbers for Class 3

Chapter 1: Numbers for Class 3