Comparing and Ordering

Comparing and ordering are important concepts in mathematics. When we compare numbers, we are determining if one number is greater than, less than, or equal to another number. When we order numbers, we are arranging them in a sequence from least to greatest or greatest to least.

Comparing Numbers

To compare numbers, we use comparison symbols:

Greater than (>): If the first number is larger than the second number.
Less than (<): If the first number is smaller than the second number.
Equal to (=): If the first number is the same as the second number.

Ordering Numbers

When we order numbers, we can put them in ascending order (from least to greatest) or descending order (from greatest to least).

Ascending Order:

To put numbers in ascending order, start with the smallest number and then arrange the numbers from least to greatest.

Descending Order:

To put numbers in descending order, start with the largest number and then arrange the numbers from greatest to least.

Examples

Let's compare and order some numbers:

Compare: 5 < 8 (5 is less than 8)

Order in ascending: 3, 7, 2, 5 - The ascending order is 2, 3, 5, 7

Order in descending: 6, 1, 4, 9 - The descending order is 9, 6, 4, 1

Understanding how to compare and order numbers helps us make sense of numerical relationships and solve a variety of math problems.

◂Math Worksheets and Study Guides Kindergarten. Comparing, and ordering

The resources above cover the following skills:

Counting and Cardinality

Know number names and the count sequence.

Count to 100 by ones and by tens. [K-CC1]

Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1). [K-CC2]

Count to tell the number of objects.

Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality. [K-CC4]

Understand that each successive number name refers to a quantity that is one larger. [K-CC4c]

Compare numbers.

Identify whether the number of objects in one group is greater than, less than, or equal to the number of objects in another group, e.g., by using matching and counting strategies. (Include groups with up to ten objects.) [K-CC6]

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Understand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from.

Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations. (Drawings need not show details, but should show the mathematics in the problem. This applies wherever drawings are mentioned in the Standards.) [K-OA1]

Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem. [K-OA2]

Fluently add and subtract within 5. [K-OA5]