Chapter 3 of Class 2 Maths, Fun with Numbers, extends counting and place value beyond 100, helping children understand numbers in terms of tens and ones, compare numbers, and recognise number patterns up to 100 and beyond.
Last Updated: September 23, 2026
Key Concepts
Place value (tens and ones): understanding that a two-digit number, like 45, is made up of 4 tens and 5 ones.
Expanded form: writing a number as the sum of its place values, such as 45 = 40 + 5.
Comparing numbers: using greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) to compare two numbers based on their place value.
Number order: arranging numbers in ascending (smallest to largest) or descending (largest to smallest) order.
Skip counting: counting forward in equal jumps, such as by 2s, 5s, or 10s, to count larger numbers quickly.
Worked Examples
Example 1
Write 68 in expanded form. 68 = 60 + 8, meaning 6 tens and 8 ones.
Example 2
Compare 54 and 45 using >, <, or =. Since 54 has 5 tens and 45 has 4 tens, 54 > 45.
Example 3
Continue the pattern: 10, 20, 30, __, __. Skip counting by 10s, the next numbers are 40 and 50.
Quick Recap
- Every two-digit number can be broken down into tens and ones.
- Expanded form shows a number as the sum of its place values.
- Comparing numbers starts by comparing the tens digit first, then the ones digit if needed.
- Skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s is a fast way to count larger groups.
- Numbers can be arranged in ascending or descending order based on their value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Comparing numbers by looking only at the ones digit instead of the tens digit first.
- Writing the expanded form incorrectly, such as writing 45 as 4 + 5 instead of 40 + 5.
- Losing the correct skip counting jump size partway through a sequence.
- Mixing up the greater than and less than symbols while comparing numbers.
- Arranging numbers in the wrong order by misreading the tens and ones digits.
Home Practice Tips
- Use bundles of ten straws or ice cream sticks along with loose ones to build two-digit numbers physically.
- Practise writing numbers in expanded form daily with a few examples.
- Play a comparing game using number cards and the >, <, = symbols.
- Practise skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s using claps or counting money.
- Arrange random number cards in ascending and descending order as a quick activity.
- Chapter 1: A Day at the Beach – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 2: Shapes Around Us – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 4: Shadow Story (Togalu) – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 5: Playing with Lines – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 6: Decoration for Festival – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 7: Rani's Gift – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 8: Grouping and Sharing – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 9: Which Season is it? – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 10: Fun at the Fair – Free PDF Download
- Chapter 11: Data Handling – Free PDF Download
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is place value important for Class 2 children?
Understanding tens and ones helps children read, write, and compare numbers correctly, and it forms the basis for addition and subtraction with regrouping in later chapters.
Q2. How do you compare two two-digit numbers?
First compare the tens digit of each number; if the tens digits are equal, then compare the ones digit to decide which number is greater.
Q3. What is expanded form and why is it useful?
Expanded form breaks a number into its place values, like 68 = 60 + 8, helping children clearly see how many tens and ones make up the number.
Q4. How can I help my child practise skip counting?
Use real objects like coins or blocks, and count forward together in jumps of 2, 5, or 10, repeating regularly until it becomes smooth.
Q5. Does this chapter cover numbers beyond 100?
The main focus is on two-digit numbers and their place value, with skip counting patterns that may extend a little beyond 100 depending on the exercise.
Full walkthrough: Chapter 3 Solutions for step-by-step textbook answers.
Recommended: Buy the Printed NCERT Class 2 Maths Book
Contains Amazon affiliate links.
If you’d like a printed copy alongside the PDF, here’s a verified option:
Check the latest price on Amazon
Price and availability may change on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, ncertbooks.org earns from qualifying purchases.


Pingback: NCERT Solutions for Class 2 Maths Chapter 3: Fun with Numbers – Free PDF Download - NCERTBooks.org