2
Fewer, more and the same
Learner’s Book 1: Unit 1, pp. 23–24
GoalSay which set has fewer, which set has more, and when two sets have the same number.
New words
fewer · not as many; the same as lesssame · just as many; equalequal · the same number
Explanation
Fewer means not as many. More means a bigger number. If two sets have the same number of objects, we say they are equal. Count each set, then decide. In the picture there are 4 flowers and 6 flowers, so the first set has fewer. Do not choose by the size of the picture! A set that is spread out can look big, but it may have fewer objects than a set that is close together. The number you get when you count is what matters.
Worked examples
Set A has 3 stars. Set B has 5 stars. We count: 3 and 5. Set A has fewer stars. Set B has more.
Count the cherries: 6 and 6. Both sets have the same number. The sets are equal.
We can compare different things. There are 4 cars and 9 trees. 4 is fewer than 9, so there are fewer cars than trees.
Class activity
Two handfuls: each of you takes a handful of raisins, beans or buttons (not more than 10). Count yours. Count your partner’s. Who has more? Who has fewer? Do you ever have the same?
Practice
1
Which set has fewer?
The left set (5 birds).
2
Which set has more?
The right set (9 apples).
3
Do the two sets have the same number?
Yes. There are 8 balls and 8 cars.
4
Sara has 4 pencils. Ravi has 4 pencils. Who has more pencils?
Nobody. They have the same number.