---
title: "Comparing and ordering numbers"
description: "Compare and order two-digit numbers using the symbols >, =, and <, based on place value understanding"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/comparing-and-ordering-numbers-mt_U0waNfD8PB
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/comparing-and-ordering-numbers-mt_U0waNfD8PB.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Comparing and ordering numbers

Compare and order two-digit numbers using the symbols >, =, and <, based on place value understanding

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Number Representation & Place Value · Ages 6 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/comparing-and-ordering-numbers-mt_U0waNfD8PB

## Ready when they can

- Correctly place > or < between 34 and 43
- Order a set of two-digit numbers from smallest to largest
- Explain a comparison by referring to the tens digit first, then ones

## Lesson: Comparing and ordering numbers

Every two-digit number has a tens digit and a ones digit. When you compare two numbers, always look at the tens digit first. A bigger tens digit means a bigger number.

*(drawing: On a number line, the smaller number sits further to the left. 34 is left of 43, so 34 is smaller.)*

**Example.** Compare 34 and 43. Both use the digits 3 and 4, but in different spots. 34 has 3 tens. 43 has 4 tens. 4 tens is more than 3 tens, so 43 is the bigger number. We write it as 34 < 43.

**Tip.** If the tens digits match, look at the ones digit next. 45 and 42 both have 4 tens, so compare the ones: 5 is more than 2, so 45 > 42.

*(drawing: 21, 34, 67. The smallest number goes first, the biggest number goes last.)*

**Recap.** Compare the tens digit first, then the ones digit if the tens match, and use <, >, or = to show which number wins.

## Practice

14 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Two written numerals between 1 and 10](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/two-written-numerals-between-1-and-10-mt__YRJ23GuIK)
- [The two digits of a two-digit number](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/the-two-digits-of-a-two-digit-number-mt_THl9GLxwoL)

## Opens up

- [Ordering Numbers to 1000](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/ordering-numbers-to-1000-mt_AQcVRBddko)
- [Comparing and ordering measurements](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/comparing-and-ordering-measurements-mt_BFJ-ch_8QU)
- [Precise Maths Communication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/precise-maths-communication-mt_TMoHjMhRS2)