13
Comparing numbers
Textbook Part 1, pp. 28–29
GoalCompare numbers using the signs “>”, “<” and “=”.
New words
greater than (>) · katta (>)less than (<) · kichik (<)equal to (=) · teng (=)
Explanation
The open “mouth” of the sign always faces the bigger number: 5 > 3 (“five is greater than three”), 2 < 4 (“two is less than four”). If the numbers are the same we write “=”: 6 = 6. On the number line, the number further right is bigger.
Worked examples
🍎🍎🍎🍎 > 🍎🍎 → 4 > 2
Amir picked 7 apples and Lola picked 4. 7 > 4, so Amir picked 3 more.
Class activity
Two children hold different numbers of blocks. A third child holds a big “>” or “<” card between them the right way round.
Practice
1
Put the sign: 3 ... 5
<
2
Put the sign: 8 ... 6
>
3
Put the sign: 4 ... 4
=
4
Which is greater: 9 or 7?
9