Comparing Numbers (<, >, = within 20) Practice Problems & Conceptual Mastery
Comparing numbers helps children build essential place value reasoning and relative magnitude understanding. Instead of blind guessing, first graders learn to compare the tens digit first, then look at the ones digit, guided by visual analogies like the Hungry Alligator and base-10 block balances.
📝 Worked Step-by-Step Example
1. Compare tens: 14 has 1 ten; 18 has 1 ten (tied). 2. Compare ones: 4 ones vs 8 ones. 4 is less than 8 (4 < 8). 3. Therefore, 14 is less than 18: 14 < 18.
🧠 Core Problem-Solving Strategies
🐊 The Hungry Alligator Law
The alligator mouth always opens toward the bigger, juicier number (e.g. 17 > 12). If both sides have the exact same value, the mouth snaps into two equal bars (=).
🔟 Compare Tens First, Then Ones
Always check the tens place first! 1 ten is greater than 0 tens (14 > 8). If the tens are equal (15 vs 18), compare the ones digits (8 > 5, so 18 > 15).
⚖️ The Number Line Distance Rule
On a number line from 0 to 20, numbers further to the right are always greater. Numbers further to the left are always smaller.
📖 Key Mathematical Terms & Vocabulary
Greater Than (>)
The symbol showing that the number on the left is larger than the number on the right (e.g., 18 > 11).
Less Than (<)
The symbol showing that the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right (e.g., 9 < 15).
Equal To (=)
The symbol showing that both quantities have the exact same value (e.g., 16 = 16).
Tens Digit
The digit in the tens place showing how many groups of 10 exist in a number (e.g., in 14, the tens digit is 1).
Ones Digit
The digit in the ones place showing the loose remaining single units (e.g., in 14, the ones digit is 4).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do you teach greater than and less than to 1st graders?
Use the 'Hungry Alligator' trick: the alligator is always hungry and opens its mouth toward the larger number (e.g., 16 > 9). When both numbers are equal, the mouth shuts flat into the equal sign (=).
How do students compare numbers with the same tens digit?
When comparing two teen numbers (like 14 and 19), both numbers have 1 ten. Students look at the ones place: 4 is less than 9, so 14 < 19.
What is the most common mistake first graders make when comparing numbers?
Looking only at the ones digit! For example, seeing 6 and 16, a child might think 6 is equal or bigger because of the digit 6, forgetting that 16 has a full ten (10 + 6).
Do PanMaths comparing worksheets include answer keys?
Yes! Every printable worksheet includes a Page 2 answer key showing the correct symbol (>, <, =) and place value reasoning for instant self-checking and grading.
🗺️ Pedagogical Learning Roadmap
Addition Facts within 10→
Master core Addition Facts within 10 concepts to build computational fluency.
PrerequisiteCounting Objects (1–20)→
Master core Counting Objects (1–20) concepts to build computational fluency.
Next StepNumber Line Hops (Within 20)→
Advance to Number Line Hops (Within 20) practice drills and timed challenges.
Next StepNumber Bonds to 10→
Advance to Number Bonds to 10 practice drills and timed challenges.
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