How to explain largest and smallest - word problems - up to 1,000 in counting problems to your student: Example question for 11+
29 October 2026
When your child faces word problems with numbers up to 1,000, they may be asked to find which number is the largest and which is the smallest. This is a common type of question in 11+ counting problems, and it helps children build confidence in comparing numbers.
Word problem example
There are 4 boxes. The first box has 320 marbles, the second has 780 marbles, the third has 145 marbles, and the fourth has 560 marbles. Which box has the largest number of marbles, and which has the smallest?
Step 1: Write down the number of marbles in each box.
Box 1: 320 Box 2: 780 Box 3: 145 Box 4: 560
Step 2: Look for the largest number.
The numbers are 320, 780, 145, and 560. 780 is the largest.
Step 3: Look for the smallest number.
The numbers are 320, 780, 145, and 560. 145 is the smallest.
Key insight: To find the largest or smallest, compare each number carefully.
Final answer: The second box has the largest number of marbles (780). The third box has the smallest (145).
After working through this example, your child will know how to spot the largest and smallest numbers in a list. They can now try similar questions to practise this skill and get ready for more challenging word problems.
