To compare two numbers, look at the tens first. The number with more tens is bigger. If the tens are the same, look at the ones.
We use signs to show this. > means greater than, < means less than and = means equal to. The open side of > and < always faces the bigger number.
Worked example
Which sign makes this true? 46 ☐ 64
- Look at the tens: 46 has 4 tens and 64 has 6 tens.
- 4 tens is less than 6 tens, so 46 is less than 64.
Answer:46 < 64
Key words
- greater than (>)
- bigger than
- less than (<)
- smaller than
- equal to (=)
- the same amount
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 1.NBT.B.3