Topic 5 of 8
Step 3: Adding and subtracting to 20
Comparing two-digit numbers
Step 3 · Adding and subtracting to 20 topics
Compare two-digit numbers by their tens first, then their ones, and write the result with >, < or =.
Compare the tens first
Tens are worth more than ones. So the number with more tens is greater, whatever the ones are. 52 has 5 tens and 48 has 4 tens, so 52 is greater.
When the tens are the same
If the tens are the same, compare the ones. 36 and 34 both have 3 tens; 6 ones is more than 4 ones, so 36 is greater.
If the tens and the ones are the same, the numbers are equal.
Using >, < and =
> means is greater than. < means is less than. = means is equal to. The open side of > or < faces the greater number.
| Write | Say |
|---|---|
| 52 > 48 | 52 is greater than 48 |
| 34 < 36 | 34 is less than 36 |
| 70 = 70 | 70 is equal to 70 |
Example: Using the symbols
Compare 67 and 76.
- 67 has 6 tens. 76 has 7 tens.
- 7 tens is more than 6 tens.
Answer67 < 76
Try it yourself
Work each one on paper first, then open the answer to check.
Which is greater, 38 or 83?
Show answer
83: it has 8 tens.
Fill in >, < or =: 45 _ 41
Show answer
>, because the tens match and 5 ones is more than 1.
Fill in >, < or =: 29 _ 31
Show answer
<, because 2 tens is less than 3 tens.
Which is less, 60 or 59?
Show answer
59.
Make the greatest number you can with the digits 4 and 7.
Show answer
74.