Lesson 4.2: Ascending, Descending Order, Before, After and Missing Numbers
Arrange numbers in order and find missing values.
⏱️ Reading Time: 15 mins
• ❓ 50 Interactive Practice Questions
#OrderingNumbers #AscendingDescending #BeforeAfterMissing
Ascending Order, Descending Order, Before, After & Missing Numbers
Ordering numbers is arranging them in a sequence from smallest to greatest (Ascending) or greatest to smallest (Descending).
58
GREATER THAN (>)
32
Comparing Numbers: 58 is greater than 32 (5 tens is more than 3 tens).
1. Ascending vs Descending Order
Ascending Order means climbing UP: from smallest to largest (e.g., 14, 28, 45, 72). Descending Order means walking DOWN: from largest to smallest (e.g., 72, 45, 28, 14).
Memory Tip: A is for Ascending = Arrow points UP. D is for Descending = Downward.
2. Before, After and Between Numbers
• The number before 60 is 59 (subtract 1).
• The number after 60 is 61 (add 1).
• The number between 59 and 61 is 60.
Missing Numbers: Look at the pattern to fill in blanks: 34, 35, [36], 37.
💡 Key Learning Takeaways
- Ascending = smallest to largest.
- Descending = largest to smallest.
- Before = subtract 1; After = add 1; Between = middle number.
🎯 Key Learning Takeaways
Ordering and sequences.
📄 Printable Worksheets (10 Available)
Download ready-to-print PDFs for offline student practice with separate parent/teacher answer keys.
WL-G2-C04-W10
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 10
Curriculum Excellence & Final Review
WL-G2-C04-W09
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 9
Mastery Assessment & Progress Check
WL-G2-C04-W08
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 8
Mixed Review & Reinforcement
WL-G2-C04-W07
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 7
Everyday Applications & Story Maths
WL-G2-C04-W06
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 6
Critical Thinking & Deep Understanding
WL-G2-C04-W05
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 5
Speed Challenge & Quick Check
WL-G2-C04-W04
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 4
Problem Solving & Real-Life Stories
WL-G2-C04-W03
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 3
Hands-on Visual Activity & Matching
WL-G2-C04-W02
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 2
Essential Practice & Skill Builder
WL-G2-C04-W01
A4 • 15 Qs
Comparing and Ordering Numbers — Worksheet 1
Foundational Concepts & Visual Exploration
✍️ Lesson Practice Questions (50 Questions)
Solve these real-world challenges online, test your understanding, and reveal instant step-by-step explanations.
1
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (39 + 10) and (27 + 10)?
A
27
B
39
C
12
D
22
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
12
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (39 + 10) - (27 + 10) = 39 - 27 = 12.
2
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 12 equals 39. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
29
B
54
C
27
D
78
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 27. Doubling it gives 27 × 2 = 54.
3
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 27 + 12 = 39, what is 12 + 27?
A
40
B
27
C
12
D
39
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
39
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
4
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 39 greater than 27?
A
Because 39 includes 27 plus an additional 12 items
B
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
C
Because {v1} is an even number
D
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 39 includes 27 plus an additional 12 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
5
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 39 - 12 and wrote 51. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He multiplied by 2
B
He added instead of subtracting
C
He forgot the units place
D
He divided the numbers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.
6
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student claimed that 27 + 12 = 49 because 'we must add 10 to every answer'. Why is this student wrong?
A
The answer is 0
B
The student subtracted instead
C
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
D
Addition is only for 1-digit numbers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
Step-by-Step Explanation:
27 + 12 equals exactly 39.
7
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the pattern: 27, 32, 37, [ ? ].
A
42
B
41
C
47
D
39
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
42
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern increases by 5. 37 + 5 = 42.
8
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 27 + [ ? ] = 39.
A
12
B
11
C
27
D
13
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
12
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing value is 12 because 27 + 12 = 39.
9
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a school garden, there are 27 yellow marigolds and 12 purple petunias. How many flowers are blooming in total?
A
27 flowers
B
12 flowers
C
39 flowers
D
44 flowers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
39 flowers
Step-by-Step Explanation:
27 + 12 = 39 flowers.
10
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library received 39 new graphic novels. Students checked out 12 novels on Monday. How many new novels are still on the shelf?
A
39 novels
B
28 novels
C
27 novels
D
12 novels
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
27 novels
Step-by-Step Explanation:
39 - 12 = 27 novels remaining.
11
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker packed 27 apple pies in the morning and 12 cherry pies in the afternoon. How many pies did the baker pack in all?
A
37 pies
B
39 pies
C
41 pies
D
27 pies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
39 pies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
27 + 12 = 39 pies in total.
12
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What number is 10 more than 27?
A
47
B
37
C
17
D
28
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
37
Step-by-Step Explanation:
27 + 10 = 37.
13
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which comparison is correct: 39 [ ? ] 34?
A
≈
B
<
C
>
D
=
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
39 is greater than 34.
14
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Calculate: 39 - 12 = ?
A
28
B
26
C
12
D
27
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
27
Step-by-Step Explanation:
39 - 12 = 27.
15
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Comparing and Ordering Numbers', calculate: 27 + 12 = ?
A
40
B
49
C
38
D
39
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
39
Step-by-Step Explanation:
27 + 12 = 39.
16
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (54 + 10) and (20 + 10)?
A
44
B
34
C
54
D
20
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
34
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (54 + 10) - (20 + 10) = 54 - 20 = 34.
17
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 34 equals 54. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
22
B
20
C
108
D
40
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
40
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 20. Doubling it gives 20 × 2 = 40.
18
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 20 + 34 = 54, what is 34 + 20?
A
54
B
20
C
34
D
55
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
19
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 54 greater than 20?
A
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
B
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
C
Because 54 includes 20 plus an additional 34 items
D
Because {v1} is an even number
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 54 includes 20 plus an additional 34 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
20
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 54 - 34 and wrote 88. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He multiplied by 2
B
He forgot the units place
C
He added instead of subtracting
D
He divided the numbers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.
21
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student claimed that 20 + 34 = 64 because 'we must add 10 to every answer'. Why is this student wrong?
A
Addition is only for 1-digit numbers
B
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
C
The answer is 0
D
The student subtracted instead
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
Step-by-Step Explanation:
20 + 34 equals exactly 54.
22
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the pattern: 20, 25, 30, [ ? ].
A
34
B
40
C
32
D
35
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
35
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern increases by 5. 30 + 5 = 35.
23
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 20 + [ ? ] = 54.
A
33
B
34
C
35
D
20
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
34
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing value is 34 because 20 + 34 = 54.
24
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a school garden, there are 20 yellow marigolds and 34 purple petunias. How many flowers are blooming in total?
A
59 flowers
B
54 flowers
C
20 flowers
D
34 flowers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54 flowers
Step-by-Step Explanation:
20 + 34 = 54 flowers.
25
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library received 54 new graphic novels. Students checked out 34 novels on Monday. How many new novels are still on the shelf?
A
34 novels
B
20 novels
C
54 novels
D
21 novels
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20 novels
Step-by-Step Explanation:
54 - 34 = 20 novels remaining.
26
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker packed 20 apple pies in the morning and 34 cherry pies in the afternoon. How many pies did the baker pack in all?
A
52 pies
B
54 pies
C
56 pies
D
20 pies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54 pies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
20 + 34 = 54 pies in total.
27
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What number is 10 more than 20?
A
10
B
30
C
40
D
21
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
30
Step-by-Step Explanation:
20 + 10 = 30.
28
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which comparison is correct: 54 [ ? ] 49?
A
=
B
>
C
≈
D
<
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
54 is greater than 49.
29
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Calculate: 54 - 34 = ?
A
20
B
21
C
34
D
19
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
20
Step-by-Step Explanation:
54 - 34 = 20.
30
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Comparing and Ordering Numbers', calculate: 20 + 34 = ?
A
55
B
54
C
53
D
64
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
54
Step-by-Step Explanation:
20 + 34 = 54.
31
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (79 + 10) and (48 + 10)?
A
31
B
41
C
48
D
79
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
31
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (79 + 10) - (48 + 10) = 79 - 48 = 31.
32
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 31 equals 79. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
158
B
48
C
50
D
96
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
96
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 48. Doubling it gives 48 × 2 = 96.
33
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 48 + 31 = 79, what is 31 + 48?
A
79
B
80
C
31
D
48
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
79
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
34
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 79 greater than 48?
A
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
B
Because {v1} is an even number
C
Because 79 includes 48 plus an additional 31 items
D
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 79 includes 48 plus an additional 31 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
35
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 79 - 31 and wrote 110. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He forgot the units place
B
He divided the numbers
C
He added instead of subtracting
D
He multiplied by 2
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.
36
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A student claimed that 48 + 31 = 89 because 'we must add 10 to every answer'. Why is this student wrong?
A
Addition is only for 1-digit numbers
B
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
C
The answer is 0
D
The student subtracted instead
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Addition means combining only the given numbers without adding extra amounts
Step-by-Step Explanation:
48 + 31 equals exactly 79.
37
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Complete the pattern: 48, 53, 58, [ ? ].
A
68
B
62
C
63
D
60
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
63
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The pattern increases by 5. 58 + 5 = 63.
38
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Find the missing number: 48 + [ ? ] = 79.
A
48
B
31
C
32
D
30
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
31
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Missing value is 31 because 48 + 31 = 79.
39
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
In a school garden, there are 48 yellow marigolds and 31 purple petunias. How many flowers are blooming in total?
A
79 flowers
B
84 flowers
C
31 flowers
D
48 flowers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
79 flowers
Step-by-Step Explanation:
48 + 31 = 79 flowers.
40
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A school library received 79 new graphic novels. Students checked out 31 novels on Monday. How many new novels are still on the shelf?
A
79 novels
B
49 novels
C
31 novels
D
48 novels
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
48 novels
Step-by-Step Explanation:
79 - 31 = 48 novels remaining.
41
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
A baker packed 48 apple pies in the morning and 31 cherry pies in the afternoon. How many pies did the baker pack in all?
A
48 pies
B
77 pies
C
79 pies
D
81 pies
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
79 pies
Step-by-Step Explanation:
48 + 31 = 79 pies in total.
42
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
What number is 10 more than 48?
A
38
B
68
C
49
D
58
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
58
Step-by-Step Explanation:
48 + 10 = 58.
43
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Which comparison is correct: 79 [ ? ] 74?
A
≈
B
=
C
>
D
<
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
>
Step-by-Step Explanation:
79 is greater than 74.
44
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
Calculate: 79 - 31 = ?
A
31
B
47
C
49
D
48
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
48
Step-by-Step Explanation:
79 - 31 = 48.
45
Multiple Choice
Easy
1 Mark
In Chapter 'Comparing and Ordering Numbers', calculate: 48 + 31 = ?
A
80
B
78
C
89
D
79
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
79
Step-by-Step Explanation:
48 + 31 = 79.
46
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
What is the difference between (69 + 10) and (41 + 10)?
A
69
B
28
C
41
D
38
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
28
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding 10 to both numbers does not change their difference: (69 + 10) - (41 + 10) = 69 - 41 = 28.
47
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
A secret number plus 28 equals 69. If you double the secret number, what is the result?
A
43
B
41
C
138
D
82
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
82
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The secret number is 41. Doubling it gives 41 × 2 = 82.
48
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
If 41 + 28 = 69, what is 28 + 41?
A
41
B
70
C
28
D
69
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
69
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The order of addends does not affect the sum (commutative property).
49
Multiple Choice
Hard
1 Mark
Why is 69 greater than 41?
A
Because 69 includes 41 plus an additional 28 items
B
Numbers ending in 0 are always smaller
C
Because {v1} is an even number
D
Because {tot} has a bigger first digit
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
Because 69 includes 41 plus an additional 28 items
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Adding a positive quantity always increases the total.
50
Multiple Choice
Medium
1 Mark
Sam evaluated 69 - 28 and wrote 97. What was Sam's mistake?
A
He forgot the units place
B
He added instead of subtracting
C
He multiplied by 2
D
He divided the numbers
💡 Click to View Correct Answer & Explanation ▼
Correct Answer:
He added instead of subtracting
Step-by-Step Explanation:
The minus sign means subtraction (taking away), but Sam performed addition.