Video narration
At the starting line, six-digit runners bounce in place: 245,600 and 254,100. Which one goes first? To race in increasing order, line them up from smallest to greatest. In decreasing order, reverse the race-from greatest to smallest. Every six-digit number has six places: hundred thousands, ten thousands, thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. Compare like a coach: start at the left, with hundred thousands. If those digits match, move right to ten thousands, then thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. Watch: 245,600 versus 254,100. Both start with two, but four is less than five. Stop! That first different digit decides the winner: 245,600 comes first. Your turn: 245,600, 254,100, or 260,000-which comes next in increasing order? 260,000! Its hundred-thousands digit is six, so it moves ahead. Like runners, line numbers shortest to tallest or tallest to shortest. Start at hundred thousands; the first difference goes first.