Comparing Numbers 1-100 Worksheet in Grade 2

Complete worksheet for comparing numbers 1-100: greater than, less than, and equal to with visual patterns and practice exercises.

Worksheet Overview: Comparing Numbers 1-100
1 Understanding Number Comparison
What is Comparing Numbers?
Comparing numbers means deciding if one number is greater than, less than, or equal to another number.
Definition:

Comparing numbers: Determining the relationship between two numbers

Greater than (>): One number is bigger than another

Less than (<): One number is smaller than another

Equal to (=): Two numbers are the same

Worksheet: A sheet containing practice exercises for a specific skill

Number comparison method:
  1. Look at both numbers carefully
  2. Compare the tens place first
  3. If tens are the same, compare the ones place
  4. Choose the correct symbol (>, <, or =)
  5. Check your answer
  6. Practice regularly for fluency
Core Rules for Comparing Numbers
• Compare tens place first
• If tens are equal, compare ones place
• Greater than: > (points to smaller number)
• Less than: < (points to smaller number)
• Equal to: = (numbers are the same)
45
<
67
83
>
52
29
=
29
Step 1: Compare tens place

45 vs 67: 4 tens vs 6 tens → 67 is greater

Step 2: If tens are equal, compare ones

25 vs 27: 2 tens vs 2 tens → same, so 5 ones vs 7 ones → 27 is greater

Step 3: Choose the correct symbol

< means "less than", > means "greater than", = means "equal to"

Comparing numbers helps build number sense and mathematical reasoning
Key takeaway:

Always compare from left to right (tens first, then ones)

2 Place Value Understanding
Understanding Place Value
Understanding tens and ones helps compare numbers more easily.
Definition:

Place value: The value of a digit based on its position

Tens place: The second digit from the right (represents groups of 10)

Ones place: The rightmost digit (represents individual units)

TENS PLACE
4
ONES PLACE
7
Understanding 47:

4 tens = 40, 7 ones = 7, so 40 + 7 = 47

Comparing 47 and 39:

4 tens vs 3 tens → 47 is greater because 4 > 3

Comparing 47 and 49:

4 tens vs 4 tens → same, so 7 ones vs 9 ones → 49 is greater

Place value understanding makes number comparison easier
Worksheet: Comparing Numbers 1-100
Section A: Basic Comparisons
Compare the numbers and write <, >, or = in the blank.
1.
25 ___ 35
<
2.
48 ___ 42
>
3.
67 ___ 67
=
4.
19 ___ 91
<
5.
55 ___ 55
=
Section B: Comparing Tens and Ones
Compare the numbers by looking at tens and ones places.
1.
3 tens 4 ones ___ 2 tens 8 ones
>
2.
5 tens 0 ones ___ 5 tens 2 ones
<
3.
1 ten 9 ones ___ 2 tens 1 one
<
4.
4 tens 5 ones ___ 4 tens 5 ones
=
5.
7 tens 3 ones ___ 7 tens 1 one
>
Key definitions:

Comparing numbers: Determining relationships between numbers

Greater than (>): One number is bigger than another

Less than (<): One number is smaller than another

Equal to (=): Two numbers are the same

Worksheet: A practice sheet with structured problems

Place value: Value of a digit based on its position

Number comparison method:
  1. Look at both numbers: Identify tens and ones
  2. Compare tens first: Which has more tens?
  3. If tens are equal: Compare the ones place
  4. Choose symbol: >, <, or =
  5. Verify answer: Double-check your comparison
Tip 1: Remember: the alligator mouth opens toward the bigger number.
Tip 2: Always compare tens place first, then ones place.
Tip 3: Use place value blocks to visualize the comparison.
Advanced Comparing Numbers Practice
3 Ordering Numbers
Ordering Numbers from Least to Greatest
Practice ordering numbers by comparing them first.
Definition:

Ordering numbers: Arranging numbers from smallest to largest or vice versa

Least to greatest: Smallest number first, largest last

Greatest to least: Largest number first, smallest last

23
<
45
<
67
89
>
56
>
12
Step 1: Compare all numbers

Look at tens and ones in each number

Step 2: Put them in order

Smallest to largest or largest to smallest

Step 3: Check your work

Verify each comparison is correct

Ordering numbers builds on comparison skills
4 Word Problems
Real World Comparison Problems
Apply number comparison to solve real-world problems.
Definition:

Word problems: Real-world scenarios requiring mathematical solutions

Application: Using number comparison in practical situations

Word Problems Practice
1.
Sarah has 45 stickers. Tom has 54 stickers. Who has more? (Write <, >, or =)
45 < 54
2.
A book costs $38. Another book costs $32. Which is cheaper?
32 < 38
3.
Class A has 27 students. Class B has 27 students. Are they equal?
27 = 27
4.
Jake scored 63 points. Emma scored 71 points. Who scored more?
63 < 71
5.
A bag has 49 marbles. Another bag has 52 marbles. Which has fewer?
49 < 52
Step 1: Read the problem carefully

Identify the numbers to compare

Step 2: Compare the numbers

Use place value to determine relationship

Step 3: Write the comparison

Use >, <, or = symbols

Word problems connect number comparison to real-life situations
Essential comparing numbers rules:

• Compare tens place first, then ones place if needed

• Greater than (>): points to smaller number

• Less than (<): points to smaller number

• Equal to (=): numbers are identical

• Always verify your comparisons

• Practice regularly for fluency

Key Notes to Remember
• Compare numbers by looking at tens place first
• If tens are the same, compare the ones place
• Greater than: > (opens toward bigger number)
• Less than: < (opens toward bigger number)
• Equal to: = (numbers are exactly the same)
• Practice with numbers 1-100 regularly
• Use place value understanding to compare
• Always verify your comparisons
• The alligator mouth eats the bigger number
Memory trick: The alligator mouth opens toward the bigger number.
Comparison tip: Always start with tens place, then ones place.
Practice tip: Say comparisons out loud to build fluency.

Questions & Answers

Question: I don't understand which way the greater than and less than symbols go. How do I remember them?

Answer: Great question! Here are some helpful memory tricks:

  • Alligator method: The alligator mouth opens toward the bigger number (the alligator wants to eat the bigger meal)
  • Arrow method: The pointy part always points to the smaller number
  • Reading method: Read left to right: 5 < 8 means "5 is less than 8"

For example: 23 < 45 (the pointy part points to 23, which is smaller)
67 > 34 (the open part faces 67, which is bigger)

Question: How can I help my child practice comparing numbers at home?

Answer: There are many fun ways to practice comparing numbers at home:

  • Card games: Use playing cards to compare numbers
  • Number lines: Draw number lines and compare positions
  • Real objects: Compare quantities of toys, snacks, or books
  • Price tags: Compare prices while shopping
  • Age comparisons: Compare ages of family members
  • Worksheet practice: Regular structured practice

Make it a game and keep practice sessions short and fun!

Question: How does comparing numbers help with other math skills?

Answer: Comparing numbers builds many important math foundations:

  • Place value understanding: Reinforces tens and ones concepts
  • Number sense: Understanding magnitude and relationships
  • Ordering skills: Preparing for number line work
  • Problem-solving: Analyzing relationships between numbers
  • Future operations: Foundation for addition and subtraction
  • Algebra thinking: Understanding inequalities

These skills are essential for success in higher-level math concepts.