Comparing and Ordering Two-Digit Numbers

When we compare numbers, we want to find out which number is bigger, which is smaller, or if they are exactly the same.

To do this, we use three special math symbols:

• Greater than: $>$
• Less than: $<$
• Equal to: $=$

Hint: Think of the symbols $>$ and $<$ as a hungry alligator's mouth. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number!

How to Compare Two-Digit Numbers

When comparing two-digit numbers (numbers up to $100$), follow these two simple steps:

Step 1: Look at the Tens Place First The number with more tens is the bigger number. Let's compare $34$ and $43$.

• $34$ has $3$ tens.
• $43$ has $4$ tens.

Since $4$ tens is more than $3$ tens, $43$ is bigger. $34 < 43$

Step 2: Look at the Ones Place If the tens are exactly the same, look at the ones digit. The number with more ones is the bigger number. Let's compare $56$ and $52$.

• Both numbers have $5$ tens.
• Look at the ones: $6$ ones is more than $2$ ones.

So, $56$ is bigger than $52$. $56 > 52$

Ordering Numbers

Sometimes you need to put a group of numbers in order.

• Least to Greatest means starting with the smallest number and ending with the biggest.
• Greatest to Least means starting with the biggest number and ending with the smallest.

Let's put these numbers in order from least to greatest: $34, 12, 56, 28$.

1. Look at the tens digits: $3, 1, 5, 2$.
2. Find the smallest tens digit: $1$ (so $12$ is first).
3. Next smallest is $2$ (so $28$ is second).
4. Next is $3$ (so $34$ is third).
5. The biggest tens digit is $5$ (so $56$ is last).

The correct order is: $12, 28, 34, 56$.

Quick Practice

Is $67 > 76$? Look at the tens place. $67$ has $6$ tens, and $76$ has $7$ tens. Since $6$ is less than $7$, $67$ is actually less than $76$. So, the answer is No ($67 < 76$).