Understand the idea.
Numbers have positions
A number line puts numbers in order. On this line, each space is one step. Moving right adds one; moving left takes one away. Start on the named number, then count each space you cross.
Order carefully
To put numbers in order, find the smallest first. Compare tens before ones: a number with five tens comes before a number with six tens. If the tens match, compare the ones. Then check that your list keeps growing.
See the method in action.
Count the steps
Start at 10. Move three steps right. Where do you land?
Worked solution
- 1
Start on ten.
You have not moved any spaces yet.
- 2
Move one space right.
Each space to the right adds one.
- 3
Take the other two steps.
These are the second and third moves, so you land on thirteen.
13
Order three numbers
Order 62, 56 and 60 from smallest to largest.
Worked solution
- 1
Find the number with fewer tens.
Fifty-six has five tens; sixty and sixty-two each have six.
- 2
Compare the two numbers with six tens.
With the same tens, zero extra ones is fewer than two.
- 3
Write them from smallest to largest.
Each number comes after the one before it on the number line.
56, 60, 62
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
Which is larger: 74 or 71?
Show answer & reasoning
74
Both numbers have seven tens. Four ones is more than one one, so is larger than .
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions
Read the questions online
- Which is smaller: 18 or 15?
- Order from smallest to largest.
- Start on 12. Move two steps right. Where do you land?
- Start on 15. Move three steps left. Where do you land?
- Order from smallest to largest.
- Noah says 68 is smaller than 65. Is he right? Explain.
Read the worked solutions
- Which is smaller: 18 or 15?
15 comes before 18.
15 - Order from smallest to largest.
All have three tens, so compare the ones.
- Start on 12. Move two steps right. Where do you land?
12 to 13 is one step; 13 to 14 is two.
14 - Start on 15. Move three steps left. Where do you land?
Count back: .
12 - Order from smallest to largest.
Count onwards from 101 to check.
- Noah says 68 is smaller than 65. Is he right? Explain.
Both have six tens; eight ones is more than five.
No. 68 is larger than 65.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 counting, place value and partitioning.
Official curriculum source ↗