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Which number is bigger?
Discover Mathematics: Chapter 6
GoalCompare two numbers up to 20 and say which is greater, which is less, or whether they are equal.
New words
greater than · more thanless than · fewer thanequal · the same amountcompare · look at two numbers and decide
Explanation
To compare two numbers, we ask which one has more. Look at 7 apples and 5 apples. 7 is greater than 5, and we write 7 > 5. 3 is less than 8, and we write 3 < 8. When two numbers are the same, they are equal, and we write 6 = 6. The open side of the sign always faces the bigger number, and the pointed end faces the smaller number.
Worked examples
Mina has 9 bananas and Hana has 6. 9 is greater than 6, so 9 > 6.
Seif has 4 stickers and Aya has 4 stickers. They have the same number, so 4 = 4.
There are 2 fish in one bowl and 8 fish in another. 2 is less than 8, so 2 < 8.
Class activity
Which is more? Put out two piles of small things, such as 12 and 9 beans. The child guesses which pile has more, then counts both to check. Say the sentence: twelve is greater than nine. Try other pairs, and one pair that is equal.
Practice
1
Which is greater, 12 or 9?
12
2
Count both groups. Which number is less, 5 or 8? Write the sign between them.
5 is less than 8: 5 < 8
3
Which is less, 15 or 11?
11
4
Are 6 and 6 equal?
Yes, 6 = 6.
5
Put these numbers in order, smallest first: 9, 4, 7.
4, 7, 9