Compare Numbers to 100

Compare Numbers to 100

What students learn

Students learn to decide which two-digit number is greater or less by comparing the tens digit first and the ones digit second. Begin with Comparing Numbers: Use a Number Chart First so students can connect greater numbers with positions later in the count.

Why it matters

Comparing numbers helps students make sense of quantity. It supports later work with number lines, addition, subtraction, money, measurement, and data. Use Comparing Numbers: Compare with Place Value to make the tens-first rule explicit.

Learn the idea

To compare 64 and 47, look at the tens digits first. Watch Place Value: Compare the Tens First and notice that six tens is more than four tens, so 64 is greater than 47. To compare 52 and 58, the tens digits are the same. Both numbers have 5 tens, so look at the ones. Eight ones is more than two ones, so 58 is greater than 52.

Try it

Write pairs of numbers: 28 and 41, 73 and 76, 90 and 89. Ask the student to say which number is greater and explain with tens and ones. Before they write symbols, use Comparing Numbers: Learn Greater Than Symbols. Then let them solve along with Comparing Numbers: Try Guided Practice Problems and finish by checking digits, words, and value with Place Value: Check Numbers with Words.

Parent guide

Ask for the reason, not only the answer. A strong explanation sounds like, "73 and 76 both have 7 tens, so I compare 3 ones and 6 ones." If the child guesses, have them draw quick tens and ones for each number before comparing. Keep practice short and repeat often.