Largest and smallest - word problems - up to 1,000: Example question
30 October 2026
When your child faces largest and smallest - word problems - up to 1,000, it helps to break the question into simple steps. Encourage them to look at each number closely and compare them, focusing on the hundreds digit first. This approach makes it easier to spot which is the biggest and which is the smallest.
Example question
There are three boxes with the following numbers of marbles: 245, 378, and 129.
Step 1: Look at each number carefully: 245, 378, 129.
Step 2: Find the largest number. 378 is bigger than 245 and 129.
Step 3: Find the smallest number. 129 is smaller than 245 and 378.
Key insight: Always compare the hundreds digit first when looking for the largest or smallest number.
Answer: The box with 378 marbles has the largest number. The box with 129 marbles has the smallest number.
| Box | Number of marbles |
|---|---|
| Box 1 | 245 |
| Box 2 | 378 |
| Box 3 | 129 |
After working through this example, your child will know how to pick out the largest and smallest numbers in similar word problems. With practice, your child will quickly recognise which numbers stand out and feel more confident tackling questions like these.
