Everyday Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 5: Place Value and Comparison
In this unit, your child learns that a two-digit number is made of tens and ones, so 45 means 4 tens and 5 ones. They count and write numbers to 120 and compare two numbers with the symbols >, =, and <. This follows the length unit and leads into new strategies for addition facts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Counting and writing numbers up to 120, including the tricky ones just past 100, such as 103 and 110. Learn more: Counting, reading, and writing numbers to 120
- Seeing each digit's place value, its value from where it sits, so 45 is 4 tens and 5 ones, and 60 is 6 tens. Learn more: Tens and ones in two-digit numbers
- Comparing two-digit numbers by checking the tens first, then the ones, and writing the result with >, =, or <. Learn more: Comparing two-digit numbers with >, =, and <
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Count by tens: 10, 20, 30, 40, __. What number comes next?
- 51
- 50
- 60
How you can help
- Bundle craft sticks or straws into tens with rubber bands. Show a number like 34 with 3 bundles and 4 loose sticks, then switch roles.
- Read two house numbers on a walk, like 47 and 74, and ask which is greater and how the tens tell you.
- Play a quick card game with two number cards each. Each player makes the biggest two-digit number they can, and the higher number wins the round.
Where kids can get stuck
- Reading the 3 in 34 as three ones, so they show 34 with 3 sticks and 4 sticks.
- Looking at the ones digit first and deciding 29 is greater than 41 because 9 is more than 1.
- Mixing up the > and < symbols, writing 35 > 53 when they mean 53 is bigger.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- digit
- One of the symbols 0 to 9 used to write numbers.
- place value
- What a digit is worth because of where it sits, like the 5 in 52 meaning 50.
- tens
- Groups of ten. In 34, the 3 means 3 tens.
- ones
- Single units. In 34, the 4 means 4 ones.
- greater than (>)
- A symbol that means the first number is bigger, as in 52 > 25.
- less than (<)
- A symbol that means the first number is smaller, as in 19 < 31.
- equal to (=)
- A symbol that means two amounts are exactly the same.
- compare
- Look at two things to decide which is more, less, longer, or shorter.
Want to help your child master place value?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 5 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 5 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.