Comparing Numbers - First Grade
1. Comparing - Review
Concept: Comparing means finding which number is bigger, smaller, or if they are the same.
Three Comparison Symbols:
>
Greater Than
7 > 3
<
Less Than
3 < 7
=
Equal To
5 = 5
🐊 The Alligator Trick:
Think of the symbol as an alligator's mouth. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number!
Example: 8 > 3 (The mouth opens to 8, the bigger number)
💡 Tip: The open side always faces the larger number!
2. Comparing Numbers up to 10
Concept: Compare single-digit numbers from 0 to 10 using symbols or words.
Formula: Count and compare - the number that is farther on the number line is greater
Examples with Symbols:
9 > 5 (9 is greater than 5)
3 < 8 (3 is less than 8)
6 = 6 (6 is equal to 6)
2 < 10 (2 is less than 10)
7 > 0 (7 is greater than 0)
Comparison Methods:
Method 1: Use a number line (0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10) - numbers to the right are bigger
Method 2: Count objects - the group with more objects is the bigger number
Method 3: Use fingers - show both numbers and see which has more fingers
Using Words:
8 is greater than 4
2 is less than 9
5 is equal to 5
💡 Tip: Remember - bigger numbers come later when counting!
3. Comparing Numbers up to 100
Concept: Compare two-digit numbers by looking at place values (tens first, then ones).
Formula: Compare Tens Place First → If Same, Compare Ones Place
Step-by-Step Method:
Step 1: Look at the TENS place (the first digit)
Step 2: The number with more tens is GREATER
Step 3: If tens are the same, look at the ONES place
Step 4: The number with more ones is GREATER
Examples - Different Tens:
65 > 49 (6 tens > 4 tens)
23 < 78 (2 tens < 7 tens)
91 > 38 (9 tens > 3 tens)
Examples - Same Tens:
82 < 87 (8 tens = 8 tens, but 2 ones < 7 ones)
54 > 51 (5 tens = 5 tens, but 4 ones > 1 one)
39 = 39 (3 tens = 3 tens, and 9 ones = 9 ones)
Visual Example:
Compare 46 and 52:
• 46 = 4 tens + 6 ones
• 52 = 5 tens + 2 ones
• Compare tens: 4 < 5
• Answer: 46 < 52
💡 Tip: Always start with the tens place - it's the most important!
4. Comparison Word Problems
Concept: Solve real-life problems that ask you to compare two amounts.
Formula: Read → Find the Numbers → Compare → Answer the Question
Common Question Words:
• "How many more?" - Find the difference (subtract)
• "How many less?" - Find the difference (subtract)
• "Who has more?" - Compare and identify the larger amount
• "Who has fewer?" - Compare and identify the smaller amount
Example 1: Comparing Amounts
Problem: Tom has 8 apples. Sara has 5 apples. Who has more apples?
Solution: Compare 8 and 5 → 8 > 5 → Tom has more apples
Example 2: How Many More?
Problem: Maria has 12 stickers. John has 7 stickers. How many more stickers does Maria have?
Solution: 12 - 7 = 5 → Maria has 5 more stickers
Example 3: How Many Fewer?
Problem: There are 15 birds in one tree and 20 birds in another tree. How many fewer birds are in the first tree?
Solution: 20 - 15 = 5 → The first tree has 5 fewer birds
Example 4: Two-Digit Comparison
Problem: Class A has 45 students. Class B has 52 students. Which class has fewer students?
Solution: 45 < 52 → Class A has fewer students
Problem-Solving Steps:
1. Read the problem carefully
2. Circle or underline the two numbers
3. Look for key words (more, fewer, less, greater)
4. Compare the numbers
5. Write your answer in a complete sentence
💡 Tip: Draw pictures or use objects to help visualize comparison problems!
Symbol Quick Reference
| Symbol | Meaning | Example | Read As |
|---|---|---|---|
| > | Greater Than | 9 > 4 | 9 is greater than 4 |
| < | Less Than | 4 < 9 | 4 is less than 9 |
| = | Equal To | 7 = 7 | 7 is equal to 7 |
Practice Problems
Problem 1: Compare 6 and 9
Answer: 6 < 9
Problem 2: Compare 73 and 68
Answer: 73 > 68 (7 tens > 6 tens)
Problem 3: Compare 54 and 58
Answer: 54 < 58 (Same tens, but 4 < 8)
Problem 4: Word Problem
Ben has 14 crayons. Amy has 9 crayons. Who has more?
Answer: Ben has more crayons (14 > 9)
Important Vocabulary
- Compare: To look at numbers and decide which is bigger, smaller, or if they are equal
- Greater Than: Bigger; has a larger value
- Less Than: Smaller; has a smaller value
- Equal To: The same value; same amount
- More: A greater amount
- Fewer/Less: A smaller amount
- Place Value: The value of a digit based on its position (tens place, ones place)
🎯 Tips for Comparing Success 🎯
- ✓ Use the alligator trick - the mouth always eats the bigger number!
- ✓ For 2-digit numbers, always check the tens place first
- ✓ Use a number line to see which number is farther right
- ✓ In word problems, circle the two numbers being compared
- ✓ Look for key words like "more," "fewer," "less," and "greater"
- ✓ Practice with everyday objects - compare toys, snacks, or blocks!
⭐ You're a Comparing Champion! ⭐
With practice, comparing numbers becomes easy and fun. Keep using your skills every day!