No, the student is wrong. We must compare whole numbers, not just the first digit. 49,014 is a five-digit number while 9,990 is a four-digit number, so 49,014 is clearly greater.
class 5 Maths-Mela Mathematics Textbook Chapter 1 question answer
CBSE Class 5 Maths-Mela Chapter 1 We the Travellers solutions
The student is incorrect because comparing only the first digit is not a proper way to compare numbers. In Class 5 Maths Mela Chapter 1: We the Travellers — I, it is explained that 49,014 has five digits while 9,990 has only four. A number with more digits is always greater. So, even though 9 is greater than 4, 49,014 is a much bigger number than 9,990.
For more NCERT Solutions for Class 5 Mathematics Maths-Mela Chapter 1: We the Travellers — I Extra Questions & Answer:
https://www.tiwariacademy.com/ncert-solutions/class-5/maths/