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C.2 Ordering: word problems

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What does ordering mean in math?

Ordering in math means putting numbers or amounts in the correct order, such as from least to greatest or greatest to least. It helps us compare things and decide which one has more or less.

Example:
  • 5, 12, and 8 in order from least to greatest → 5, 8, 12
  • 15, 9, and 20 in order from greatest to least → 20, 15, 9
Note

You can order numbers or items by comparing their amounts.

What are ordering word problems?

Ordering word problems use clues or comparisons in sentences to help us figure out the correct order of people, items, or numbers.

Example:

Mia has more stickers than Ben, but fewer stickers than Ava. Who has the fewest stickers?

Solution:

We use the clues to figure out the order:

  • "Mia has more stickers than Ben" means Ben has fewer stickers than Mia.
  • "Mia has fewer stickers than Ava" means Ava has more stickers than Mia.

So the order from least to most stickers is:

Ben → Mia → Ava

Ben has the fewest stickers.

Note

Look for words like more than and fewer than to understand the clues.

Understanding clue words

Clue words tell us how amounts compare. They help us decide the order of items or people.

Common clue words:
  • more than
  • fewer than
  • greater than
  • less than
  • the most
  • the least
Note

These words tell you who has the biggest or smallest amount.

Solving ordering word problems

To solve ordering word problems, read each clue carefully and think about who has more or less. Then put the people or items in order.

Example:

Amy wrote more postcards than Pedro but fewer postcards than Angela. Who wrote the fewest postcards?

  • Amy has more than Pedro → Pedro has fewer than Amy.
  • Amy has fewer than Angela → Angela has more than Amy.
  • So, from least to greatest: Pedro, Amy, Angela.
  • Answer: Pedro wrote the fewest postcards.
Note

It helps to draw arrows or write names in order to solve word problems more easily.

Using charts or tables

You can use a simple chart or list to organize the clues from the problem. This makes it easier to compare and order information.

Example Chart:
  • Amy → in the middle
  • Pedro → lowest
  • Angela → highest
Note

Writing information down helps keep your thinking clear and organized.

Check your thinking

After solving, go back and make sure your answer matches all the clues in the problem.

Quick Check:
  • Does your order show who has more or fewer?
  • Does it follow every clue?
  • Does your answer make sense?
Note

If your answer fits all the clues, you solved it correctly!