Comparing 2-Digit Numbers
We already know how to compare small numbers like 3 and 7. Now we learn to compare two-digit numbers like 45 and 72.
The trick is to look at the tens digit first. If the tens digits are the same, then look at the ones digit.
What is Comparing 2-Digit Numbers - Class 1 Maths (Numbers up to 100)?
To compare two-digit numbers:
- Step 1: Compare the tens digits. The number with more tens is greater.
- Step 2: If the tens digits are the same, compare the ones digits.
Use the signs: > (greater than), < (less than), = (equal to).
Solved Examples
Example 1: Compare 34 and 52
Question: Which is greater, 34 or 52?
Think:
- Tens of 34 = 3, Tens of 52 = 5
- 5 > 3, so 52 is greater
Answer: 52 > 34.
Example 2: Compare 47 and 43
Question: Which is less, 47 or 43?
Think:
- Tens of both = 4 (same)
- Compare ones: 7 and 3
- 3 < 7, so 43 is less
Answer: 43 < 47.
Example 3: Compare 68 and 68
Question: Compare 68 and 68.
Think:
- Tens: 6 = 6 (same)
- Ones: 8 = 8 (same)
- Both digits match
Answer: 68 = 68. They are equal.
Example 4: Aman and Kavi's Stickers
Question: Aman has 56 stickers, Kavi has 61 stickers. Who has more?
Think:
- Tens: 5 and 6
- 6 > 5, so 61 > 56
Answer: Kavi has more stickers. 61 > 56.
Example 5: Put the Correct Sign
Question: Put >, <, or = : 85 ___ 89
Think:
- Tens: 8 = 8 (same)
- Ones: 5 and 9 → 5 < 9
Answer: 85 < 89.
Example 6: Compare 30 and 28
Question: Which is greater, 30 or 28?
Think:
- Tens: 3 and 2 → 3 > 2
- 30 has more tens
Answer: 30 > 28.
Example 7: Cricket Scores
Question: In a cricket match, Team A scored 75 runs and Team B scored 73 runs. Which team scored more?
Think:
- Tens: 7 = 7 (same)
- Ones: 5 and 3 → 5 > 3
Answer: Team A scored more. 75 > 73.
Key Points to Remember
- Always compare the tens digit first.
- If tens are the same, compare the ones digit.
- The number with the bigger tens digit is always greater (e.g., 60 > 59).
- Use >, <, or = to show the comparison.
- The crocodile mouth (open side) always faces the bigger number.
Practice Problems
- Compare 45 and 54. Which is greater?
- Put the correct sign: 72 ___ 72.
- Ria scored 38 marks. Priya scored 41 marks. Who scored more?
- Which is less: 99 or 91?
- Arrange in order: 67, 76, 60 (smallest to biggest).
- Put the sign: 50 ___ 49.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I compare two-digit numbers?
First compare the tens digits. The number with more tens is bigger. If tens are the same, compare the ones digits.
Q2. Is 39 greater than 41?
No. 39 has 3 tens and 41 has 4 tens. Since 4 > 3, we know 41 > 39.
Q3. What if both the tens and ones digits are the same?
Then the numbers are equal. Use the = sign.
Q4. Is 50 greater than 49?
Yes. 50 has 5 tens and 49 has 4 tens. 5 > 4, so 50 > 49.
Q5. Why do we check tens first?
The tens digit is worth more (it represents groups of 10). A number with more tens is always bigger, no matter what the ones digit is.
Q6. What is the biggest two-digit number?
99 is the biggest two-digit number. It has the most tens (9) and the most ones (9).
