2nd grade · Math · Unit 1 of 16
Bigger or Smaller
Compare and order numbers
What your child practices
Comparing and ordering numbers, using <, > and =, and noticing numbers close to 50.
Maine Learning Results learning standard: 2.NBT.A.4 · comparing numbers using >, = and <
How we explain it
Children can open this short lesson before they practice.
- Compare the tens first. More tens means a bigger number.
- If the tens match, compare the ones.
- To order numbers, put the smallest first.
Example: Which is bigger: 47 or 53? Tens: 4 tens and 5 tens. 5 tens is more, so 53 is bigger. Answer: 53
Bigger or Smaller in Maine
In the Maine Learning Results, this is unit 1 of 16 in 2nd grade Math, before Facts to 20.
Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.
Source: Maine Department of Education
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Tap the numbers from smallest to biggest.
- 64
- 56
- 47
- 51
47 → 51 → 56 → 64
Hint: Find the smallest first. Look at the tens! The smallest is 47.
Question 2
Which number is bigger?
- 72
- 57
72
Hint: Look at the tens first. More tens means a bigger number.
Question 3
Is 2 + 5 the same as 3 + 4?
2 + 5 ? 3 + 4
- Yes, they are equal (=)
- No, not equal (≠)
Yes, they are equal (=)
Hint: 2 + 5 = 7 and 3 + 4 = 7.
Question 4
Which number is bigger?
- 93
- 99
99
Hint: The tens are the same, so look at the ones.
Question 5
Which sign goes in the box?
37 47
- <
- =
- >
<
Hint: 47 is bigger. The open side of < or > faces the bigger number.
Question 6
Tap the numbers from smallest to biggest.
- 24
- 62
- 58
- 65
24 → 58 → 62 → 65
Hint: Find the smallest first. Look at the tens! The smallest is 24.