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Compare numerals to 20

Comparing whole-number numerals from 0 through 20 involves determining whether one represents a quantity greater than, less than, or equal to another and expressing the relationship with the words greater than, less than, and equal to or the symbols >, <, and =. Reasoning draws on counting order, positions on a number line, and the place-value structure of teen numbers: numbers with more tens are greater, and among numbers with the same tens, the one with more ones is greater. Comparisons beyond 20 and with negative numbers, fractions, or decimals are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Compare numerals to 20

To compare two numbers, decide which number is greater than, less than, or equal to the other.

You can:

  • Count on a number line: the number farther to the right is greater.
  • For teen numbers, compare the tens first. If the tens are the same, compare the ones.

Example: Compare 1414 and 1717.

  1. Both numbers have 11 ten.
  2. Compare the ones: 44 ones is less than 77 ones.
  3. So, 1414 is less than 1717.

Write:

14<1714<17

Read it as: Fourteen is less than seventeen.

The symbol << points toward the smaller number, and its open side faces the greater number.

Learn by doing: Compare numerals to 20

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    Less Than or Greater Than with Alligators - Number Comparison to Alligator

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