Numbers to 100 · Usually met around P1
Comparing numbers
Tens first; ones only if the tens match.
How to do it
Method
Tens first; ones only if the tens match
52 > 48, 49 > 47
Another way
Number line
52 is right of 48, so bigger
In full
To compare two two-digit numbers, look at the tens first: more tens is bigger, so 52 is bigger than 48 (5 tens beat 4 tens) whatever the ones. Only when the tens are the same do you compare the ones: 49 is bigger than 47. With > or <, the open side faces the bigger number: 52 > 48. To put numbers in order, find the smallest (or biggest), then the next among those left, and so on. Or use a number line: the further right, the bigger.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
Of 92 and 25, the bigger is □ and the smaller is □.
Fill in each box
Show the answer and working
Answer: 92，25
Tens first, then the ones if the tens match: 92 is bigger, 25 smaller.
Example 2
85 ○ 47: what goes in the ○?
- A. They can't be compared
- B. >
- C. <
- D. =
Choose the right answer
Show the answer and working
Answer: B. >
Tens first, then the ones; the open side faces the bigger number.
Example 3
A number is bigger than 28 and smaller than 35, and its ones digit is 0. What is the number?
Show the answer and working
Answer: 30
Counting on from 28 to 35, the only one in between ending in 0 is 30.
Practise it in the game →Numbers to 100 · Free to start, unlimited questions, no download