In each of the following pairs of numbers, state which number is smaller:

(i) 553, 503

(ii) 41338, 1139

(iii) 25431, 24531

(i) 553, 503

Both numbers have 3 digits.

Comparing from the leftmost digit, the hundreds digit is 5 in both, the tens digit is 5 in 553 and 0 in 503.

Since 0 is less than 5, 503 is smaller than 553.

Hence, 503 is the smaller number.

(ii) 41338, 1139

41338 has 5 digits and 1139 has 4 digits.

The number with fewer digits is smaller.

Hence, 1139 is the smaller number.

(iii) 25431, 24531

Both numbers have 5 digits.

Comparing from the leftmost digit, the ten thousands digit is 2 in both, the thousands digit is 5 in 25431 and 4 in 24531.

Since 4 is less than 5, 24531 is smaller than 25431.

Hence, 24531 is the smaller number.