Comparing numbers to 20

Now that you know the signs, let's get fast at comparing numbers. Here are two methods kids love.

Method 1 — the number line

Imagine numbers laid out in a long row from 0 to 20.

The further to the right, the bigger the number. So when you compare 7 and 14, ask yourself: which is further right? 14. So 7 < 14.

This method always works. If you ever feel stuck, picture the number line in your head.

Method 2 — count the tens first

Numbers from 0 to 9 have zero full tens. Numbers from 10 to 20 have one full ten (or two, if it is exactly 20). So:

• any number under 10 is less than any number from 10 upward;
• between two numbers from 10 to 19, look at the second digit — bigger second digit wins;
• 20 is bigger than all of them up to 19.

For example, 13 vs 17 → both have one ten, so look at the ones: 3 < 7, so 13 < 17.

Try a few

• 6 ☐ 11 → 6 < 11
• 18 ☐ 14 → 18 > 14
• 9 ☐ 9 → 9 = 9
• 20 ☐ 12 → 20 > 12
• 0 ☐ 1 → 0 < 1

Don't forget

Zero is the smallest counting number we use here. Twenty is the biggest. Anything in between sits somewhere on that line — and you can always check by counting up or down.

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