Saxon Math Grade 1, Section 3: Double-Digit Counting & Comparison
In this unit, first graders compare two-digit numbers with greater than, less than, and equal to, checking the tens first. They also count by tens from any number and find 10 more or 10 less in their heads. It builds on the tens and ones introduced in the last unit, and next they explore shapes and split them into fractional equal parts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 3?
- Comparing two-digit numbers and writing the comparison with >, <, or =, starting with the tens digits. Learn more: Comparing two-digit numbers with >, =, and <
- Counting by tens from any number, like 13, 23, 33, to find 10 more or 10 less without counting by ones. Learn more: 10 more or 10 less in your head
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
Compare 20 and 19. Which is less?
- 20
- 19
- Equal
How you can help
- Count by tens from an odd starting point on a walk, like 6, 16, 26, and ask your child to say what's 10 less on the way back down.
- Compare two numbers from around the house, like on a clock and a calendar, and ask which is greater and how they know.
- Play a card game where each player makes a two-digit number; the greater one wins. Ask your child to write the comparison with a symbol.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting by ones ten times to find 10 more, and miscounting along the way.
- Pointing the symbol at the smaller number, writing 45 > 54.
- Saying 10 less than 15 is 14 instead of 5.
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
- greater than
- The symbol > means the first number is bigger, like 9 > 4.
- less than
- The symbol < means the first number is smaller, like 4 < 9.
- equal to
- The symbol = means two amounts are the same.
- tens digit
- The digit on the left in a two-digit number; it tells how many tens.
- ones digit
- The digit on the right in a two-digit number; it tells how many ones.
- 10 more
- The number you get by adding one ten, like 46 to 56.
- 10 less
- The number you get by taking away one ten, like 46 to 36.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with counting by tens?
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.
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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 Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 3 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 3 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.