Lesson 4.1: Comparing Numbers: Greater Than, Less Than, and Equal
Master >, <, and = by comparing tens and ones.
⏱️ Reading Time: 15 mins
• ❓ 50 Interactive Practice Questions
#ComparingNumbers #GreaterThanLessThan #AlligatorMethod
Comparing Numbers: Greater Than, Less Than & Equal To
How do we know which number is bigger? We compare their place values using the symbols > (greater than), < (less than), and = (equal to).
58
GREATER THAN (>)
32
Comparing Numbers: 58 is greater than 32 (5 tens is more than 3 tens).
1. Comparing Tens First
When comparing two two-digit numbers, always look at the Tens digit first. The number with more tens is always bigger! Between 62 and 49: 6 tens > 4 tens, so 62 > 49.
Alligator Rule: The hungry math alligator always opens its mouth toward the larger number!
2. What if Tens are Equal?
If both numbers have the same tens digit (like 54 and 58), compare the Ones digit! 8 ones > 4 ones, so 58 > 54 (or 54 < 58). If tens and ones are identical, they are equal (=).
Symbols: > means greater than, < means less than, = means equal to.
💡 Key Learning Takeaways
- Compare tens digit first; if tied, compare ones digit.
- > opens to the larger number.
- = means both sides have the exact same value.
🎯 Key Learning Takeaways
Comparing 2-digit numbers.
📄 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.