Lesson 5 of 8 · Grade 1 and 2

Compare two-digit numbers

To compare two numbers, look at the tens first. Then the ones.

Bo, a yellow bear cub, holding a stack of blue blocks

Step 1

Learn it

  1. Tens first

    45 has 4 tens. 38 has 3 tens. 4 tens is more.

  2. Same tens? Check ones

    62 and 67 both have 6 tens. 2 ones is less than 7 ones.

  3. Say it

    67 is greater than 62. 62 is less than 67.

Step 2

Watch how

Two examples, worked out one step at a time.

  1. Which is more, 45 or 38?

    Tens: 4 and 3. 4 is more than 3. So 45 is more.

    Answer: 45
  2. Which is more, 62 or 67?

    Both have 6 tens. Ones: 2 and 7. 7 is more. So 67 is more.

    Answer: 67

Step 3

Practice

Five questions. Think first. Then tap Show answer.

  1. Which is more, 51 or 49?

    Show answer

    51

  2. Which is more, 27 or 72?

    Show answer

    72

  3. Which is more, 34 or 38?

    Show answer

    38

  4. Which is less, 65 or 56?

    Show answer

    56

  5. Which is less, 80 or 79?

    Show answer

    79

Next: Add a ten Back: Tens and ones to 100 All lessons