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.
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- Learn “Compare numerals to 20” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Compare numerals to 20” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Compare numerals to 20 you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Compare numerals to 20” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Base Ten Blocks - Comparing Intro” or “Ten Groups - Less Than, Greater Than” that introduce, teach, or practice “Compare numerals to 20” to maximize your learning.
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 and .
- Both numbers have ten.
- Compare the ones: ones is less than ones.
- So, is less than .
Write:
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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Practice:
Compare One- or Two-Digit Numbers to 20
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Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Compare numerals to 20' Worksheet
Print this free 'Compare numerals to 20' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Compare One- or Two-Digit Numbers to 20
- Compare Numbers to 10
- Base 10 Blocks - Less or Greater Than - Pictures to Symbol - Tens and Ones
- Base 10 Blocks - Less or Greater Than - Pictures to Alligator - Tens and Ones
- Base 10 Blocks - Decompose and Compare - Tens to Ones
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Compare numerals to 20) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.