Comparing Numbers

Comparing numbers is a fundamental concept in mathematics that involves determining the relative value of two or more numbers. It helps children understand the concepts of greater than, less than, and equal to. This skill is essential for building a strong foundation in math and is a precursor to understanding mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Comparison Symbols

There are three main symbols used to compare numbers:

Greater Than (>): This symbol is used to compare two numbers to determine if the first number is larger than the second number. For example, 5 > 3 means "5 is greater than 3."
Less Than (<): This symbol is used to compare two numbers to determine if the first number is smaller than the second number. For example, 2 < 4 means "2 is less than 4."
Equal To (=): This symbol is used to compare two numbers to determine if they are the same value. For example, 6 = 6 means "6 is equal to 6."

Comparing Numbers in Practice

When comparing numbers, it's important to consider the place value of each digit. For example, when comparing the numbers 35 and 49:

3 is less than 4, so 35 is less than 49.

It's also important to understand that the position of the digits matters. For example, in the numbers 24 and 42:

4 is greater than 2, so 42 is greater than 24.

Using Comparisons in Word Problems

Comparing numbers is often used in word problems to help children understand real-world situations and make decisions based on numerical information. For example:

"Sara has 8 apples, and Tom has 5 apples. Who has more apples?"

In this case, children would use the greater than symbol to compare 8 and 5 and determine that Sara has more apples than Tom.

By mastering the skill of comparing numbers, children can develop a solid understanding of numerical relationships and build a strong foundation for future mathematical concepts.

For more practice and reinforcement, worksheets and interactive games can be used to aid in the learning process.

◂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]

Comparing Numbers

Comparison Symbols

Comparing Numbers in Practice

Using Comparisons in Word Problems

[Comparing Numbers] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

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

The resources above cover the following skills: