Final answer:
When comparing multidigit numbers, we start with the leftmost digits because they have the greatest impact on the number's value, allowing us to make accurate comparisons.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing multidigit numbers, we start with the leftmost digits because those digits have the highest place value and thus the greatest impact on the number's value. This means that by comparing from left to right, we can determine which number is larger based on the significance of the digits where they first differ. For example, in the numbers 4,500 and 4,600, the digit that differs is the hundreds place. Since 6 is greater than 5, we know that 4,600 is greater than 4,500 without needing to look at the subsequent digits.
The leftmost digit in a number determines its position in the thousands, hundreds, tens, and so on, which is why that digit has the most significant impact on the number's overall value. This is why option D 'It ensures accurate comparisons' is the correct answer to the question of why we start comparing multidigit numbers from the left.