Comparing Numbers with Base Ten Blocks Worksheets for Grade 1

Complete collection of worksheets on comparing numbers using base ten blocks with step-by-step instructions and examples.

Worksheet: Comparing Numbers with Base Ten Blocks
1 Worksheet Instructions
WORKSHEET INSTRUCTIONS

Directions: Count the base ten blocks for each number and compare. Circle the correct symbol.

Remember: Each ten block equals 10 ones, and each small cube equals 1 one.

1
Count Tens
2
Count Ones
3
Find Total
4
Compare
5
Circle Symbol
Key Definitions:

Base Ten Blocks: Visual tools where rods represent tens and small cubes represent ones.

Compare: To determine if one number is greater than, less than, or equal to another.

Greater Than (>): Symbol indicating one number is larger than another.

Less Than (<): Symbol indicating one number is smaller than another.

Equal (=): Symbol indicating two numbers have the same value.

2 Important Reminders
Core Rules:

• Each ten rod equals 10 ones: Count rods and multiply by 10

• The symbol opens toward the larger number: Think of it as a hungry mouth

• Count carefully: Make sure to count all blocks accurately

• Check your work: Make sure your answer makes sense

Tip 1: Count tens first, then ones, then add together.
Tip 2: Use base ten blocks to visualize the comparison.
Tip 3: Remember: longer rods represent bigger numbers.
Worksheet Learning Summary
Number = (Tens × 10) + Ones
Base Ten Formula
Core Concepts and Keywords:

Base Ten Blocks: Visual tools used to represent numbers (rods for tens, cubes for ones).

Comparison: The process of determining the relationship between two numbers using symbols.

Tens Rod: A long rectangular block representing 10 ones.

Ones Cube: A small cube block representing 1 unit.

Greater Than (>): Symbol showing one number is larger than another.

Less Than (<): Symbol showing one number is smaller than another.

Equal (=): Symbol showing two numbers have the same value.

Worksheet Practice: Structured exercises for reinforcing mathematical concepts.

Core Rules and Principles:

• Block Value Rule: Each ten rod represents 10 ones.

• Counting Rule: Count tens and ones separately, then combine.

• Comparison Rule: Always compare totals, not just individual blocks.

• Symbol Direction: The comparison symbol always opens toward the larger number.

• Visual Organization: Base ten blocks help visualize place value relationships.

Step-by-Step Method:
  1. Step 1: Count the number of ten rods for each number
  2. Step 2: Count the number of ones cubes for each number
  3. Step 3: Calculate the total for each number (tens × 10 + ones)
  4. Step 4: Compare the two totals
  5. Step 5: Circle the appropriate comparison symbol
  6. Step 6: Check your answer to ensure it makes sense
Tip 1: Use base ten blocks to physically build and compare numbers.
Tip 2: Always count tens first, then ones, then add together.
Tip 3: Remember: the symbol "mouth" opens toward the bigger number.
Tip 4: Double-check that you counted all blocks correctly.
Common Mistakes: Miscounting blocks, confusing tens and ones, misreading comparison symbols.
Memory Aid: "Ten rods are longer, so they represent bigger numbers."
If Total(A) > Total(B), then A > B
When Totals Differ
Worksheet Practice Problems
3 Practice Problems
Problem 1
Compare 24 and 31
Problem 2
Compare 45 and 42
Problem 3
Compare 18 and 18
Problem 4
Compare 37 and 29
Number: 24
10
10
Total: 24
2 tens + 4 ones
?
Number: 31
10
10
10
Total: 31
3 tens + 1 one
Step 1: Count Tens

24 has 2 tens (20), 31 has 3 tens (30)

Step 2: Count Ones

24 has 4 ones, 31 has 1 one

Step 3: Compare Totals

24 vs 31, since 31 > 24

Answer: 24 < 31
4 More Practice Problems
Number: 45
10
10
10
10
Total: 45
4 tens + 5 ones
?
Number: 42
10
10
10
10
Total: 42
4 tens + 2 ones
Step 1: Count Tens

45 has 4 tens (40), 42 has 4 tens (40)

Tens are equal, so compare ones

Step 2: Count Ones

45 has 5 ones, 42 has 2 ones

Since 5 > 2, then 45 > 42

Answer: 45 > 42
5 Equal Numbers Practice
Number: 18
10
Total: 18
1 ten + 8 ones
?
Number: 18
10
Total: 18
1 ten + 8 ones
Step 1: Count Tens

Both numbers have 1 ten (10)

Step 2: Count Ones

Both numbers have 8 ones

Step 3: Compare Totals

Both totals are 18

Answer: 18 = 18

Questions & Answers

Question: Why do we use base ten blocks? Can't I just look at the numbers?

Answer: Base ten blocks are helpful because they:

  • Make numbers visible: You can see the actual size of numbers
  • Build understanding: You can see that 10 ones make 1 ten
  • Reduce confusion: It's easier to compare when you can see the blocks
  • Support learning: They help your brain understand the concepts better

Think of base ten blocks like a picture that helps you understand numbers!

Question: How can I help my child practice base ten block comparison at home?

Answer: Here are some fun home activities:

  1. Use household items: Bundle 10 straws or pencils together to make "tens"
  2. Draw representations: Draw long rectangles for tens and small squares for ones
  3. Play comparison games: Roll dice to create numbers and compare with blocks
  4. Practice with real numbers: Compare ages, house numbers, or prices
  5. Make it visual: Use different colored paper for tens and ones

Keep practice sessions short (10-15 minutes) and positive to maintain interest!

Question: What if I have 50 and 49? Which is bigger?

Answer: Let's compare 50 and 49 using base ten blocks:

  1. Step 1: 50 has 5 tens (50) and 0 ones (0)
  2. Step 2: 49 has 4 tens (40) and 9 ones (9)
  3. Step 3: Compare tens: 5 tens > 4 tens
  4. Step 4: Therefore, 50 > 49

Even though 50 has 0 ones and 49 has 9 ones, the tens place determines which is bigger. 5 tens (50) is more than 4 tens (40), so 50 is the larger number!

Remember: Always compare the biggest place value first!