Lesson 2.2 · Comparing Numbers
Comparing numbers to 10
You can compare groups by matching. You can also compare just the numbers, with no pictures at all. Is 7 bigger than 4? Let's find out.
Use the counting order
Say the numbers in order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
A number you say later is greater. A number you say earlier is less.
Greater and less
When you count, each number is 1 more than the number before it. So numbers you say later are greater. Numbers you say earlier are less.
7 is greater than 4, because you say 7 after 4.
Use a number line
A number line shows the numbers in order. Numbers get bigger as you go to the right. Here the dots are on 3 and 7.
Worked example: Which is greater?
Which is greater, 5 or 8?
Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. You say 8 after 5. So 8 is greater.
Worked example: Which is less?
Which is less, 6 or 2?
Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. You say 2 first. So 2 is less.
Worked example: Numbers and a group
Sam has 4 stickers. Ana has these stickers:
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Who has more?
Count Ana's stickers: 6. Now compare 4 and 6. You say 6 after 4. So 6 is greater. Ana has more.
Common mistake
Zero is the smallest number here. 0 is less than every other number from 1 to 10. Zero means none!
Tip
Two numbers can also be equal. 5 and 5 are equal. They are the same number.
Practice
Which number is greater?
Which number is less?
Which is greater, 7 or 6? Type the number.
Type a number.
Which is less, 0 or 4? Type the number.
Type a number.
Kim has 8 grapes. Tom has 8 grapes. Which is true?
Ben has 5 blocks. Zoe has these blocks:
🧱 🧱 🧱
Who has more blocks?
Which is the greatest: 10, 6 or 9? Type the number.
Type a number.