Greater Than, Less Than: Comparing Numbers to 100

About This Resource

A free Grade 1 lesson and worksheet on comparing numbers to 100 with the symbols >, < and =: comparing tens and ones, ordering numbers, choosing the greater number and explaining your thinking. Includes a timed lesson plan, worksheet, editable Word version and answer key.

Overview

Children compare two-digit numbers by looking at the tens first and then the ones, using base-ten blocks or a hundred chart to check. They learn the symbols > (greater than), < (less than) and = (equal to) with the hungry alligator that always eats the bigger number, then order sets of numbers and explain how they know which number is greater.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Comparing Numbers
Category: Number Sense
File Type: PDF
File Size: 236.8 KB
Published: 30 Oct 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 1 (ages 6–7) 40 minutes Number sense place value comparing ordering reasoning

Student Task

Start with base-ten blocks or a hundred chart: show 34 and 43 and ask which is greater.
Teach the alligator mouth for > and

Classroom Use

Number line-up: give five children number cards and the class puts them in order from least to greatest.
Card battle: pairs each flip two digit cards to make a two-digit number; the greater number wins the round.
Alligator arms: children make the alligator mouth with their arms, opening toward the greater number the teacher writes.

Differentiation

Support: use base-ten blocks or a hundred chart for every question. Challenge: compare three-digit numbers and explain your thinking.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 and 2 check symbols and ordering; activities 3 to 5 check reasoning (answer key included).

Learning Objectives

Compare two numbers up to 100 by looking at the tens and then the ones.
Use the symbols >, < and = correctly.
Order numbers from least to greatest.

Teacher Tips

Always compare the tens first. Children who look at the ones first will think 29 is greater than 31.

What's Included

6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (4 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (5 activities)
Editable Word version of the worksheet
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)