1st Grade · Number & Operations in Base Ten
1.NBT.B.3: Compare two two-digit numbers
1.NBT.B.3 is a 1st grade Common Core math standard in Number & Operations in Base Ten. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
In plain words
Compare two two-digit numbers.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Compare 20 and 19. Which is less?
- 20
- 19
- Equal
Where students can get stuck
- Looking at the ones digit first, deciding 29 is bigger than 41 because 9 is bigger than 1.
- Mixing up the > and < symbols, writing 35 > 53 when they mean that 53 is bigger.
- Comparing correctly out loud but writing the numbers in the wrong order, so the written statement says the opposite.
Effective teaching strategies
- Compare 29 and 41 by building each with ten rods and ones cubes, and have students say which has more tens before they look at the ones.
- Have students draw the open side of the symbol toward the larger number and read the whole statement aloud, such as “53 is greater than 35” for 53 > 35.
- Ask students to say a comparison in words first, then write it both ways, 35 < 53 and 53 > 35, checking that each one reads true.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 1.NBT.B.3 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Comparing two-digit numbers with >, =, and < for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice place value at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.