Compare two-digit numbers

Comparison of two-digit whole numbers is based on place value: compare the tens digits first, and compare the ones digits only when the tens are equal. The relationship can be expressed as greater than, less than, or equal to using symbols, words, place-value representations, or a number line; this includes numbers from 10 through 99 and excludes comparisons involving larger place values.

Detailed Explanation: Compare two-digit numbers

To compare two-digit numbers, look at the tens digit first.

Compare the tens digits.
If the tens digits are different, the number with more tens is greater.
If the tens digits are the same, compare the ones digits.
Write $>$ for greater than, $<$ for less than, or $=$ for equal to.

Example: Compare $(46)$ and $(43)$ .

Both numbers have $4$ tens, so the tens digits are equal.
Compare the ones digits: $6$ ones is greater than $3$ ones.
Therefore, $(46)$ is greater than $(43)$ .

46>43

So, $(46)$ is greater than $(43)$ .

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