Comparing Construction Costs

Ava has heard her friends talk about the fun they had at the aquarium. She finally visits, and she's surprised to see a sign out front: “Aquarium open during construction.” Ava heads inside to see what changes are coming to the aquarium.

Ava sees another sign inside that says another shark tank and penguin exhibit will be added to the aquarium. These are expensive projects! Ava wonders which one will cost more.

Ava learned how to compare numbers in school with a place-value chart. The shark and penguin want to help her. Can they put the digits in the correct place? Great work!

Ava knows to start with the largest place value to compare numbers. Once she reaches two different digits, she can tell which number is greater! She stops on the hundred thousands place. 5 is greater than 3. Ava found the greater number! The new penguin exhibit will cost more than the new shark tank.

Ava makes her way to the sea otters and sea lions. Their exhibits will be renovated rather than creating brand new exhibits.

This makes the cost of each one much less. Now Ava wants to compare these two numbers to see which renovation will cost more.

We can use the same strategy to compare the numbers. First, put the numbers in the place-value chart. Watch the otter and sea lion put their numbers in the place-value chart! Next, start with the largest place value to find 2 different digits.

The larger digit tells you which number is greater! We can stop on the thousands place. 5 is less than 6. The project that costs more is the sea lion renovation.

Ava is excited that the new construction projects will improve the aquarium! Comparing the costs of the projects was a great way to practice her new math skills. Thanks for all your help!