Every teen number has exactly one ten. That part is always equal.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
So look at the extras
Sixteen has six extras, thirteen has three. The tens cancel out, so only the extras can decide it.
The bigger extras win
Six beats three, so sixteen is bigger than thirteen. You compared two small numbers instead of two big ones.
Why this is a shortcut
You did not count sixteen counters. You compared six against three, which you already knew.
It works for bigger numbers too
Later you will compare tens first, then ones. This is that same method, on numbers where the tens always match.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
This number
That number
16 is greater than 13.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Mia Compare Sixteen and Thirteen
Mia builds both numbers in ten frames.
- Step 1
She notices both first frames are completely full.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Two Jars
Problem 1 of 1
One jar has 14 beads, one has 18. Which has more?
Which Teen Is Bigger
1 of 4
Which is bigger, 12 or 17?
2 of 4
Which is smaller, 19 or 11?
3 of 4
Which is bigger, 15 or 13?
4 of 4
Which is bigger, 20 or 16?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 1
Which is bigger, 14 or 18?
What You Learned
- Every teen number has one ten, so the tens are equal.
- The extra ones decide which is bigger.
- More extras means a bigger number.