Comparing Numbers: Which is Bigger?

Math Grades 1st Grade 2:04 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn to compare whole numbers up to 100 using greater than, less than, and equal to signs. We'll explore place value and practice comparing numbers like a math superstar!

Video Resource

Comparing whole numbers | Place value (tens and hundreds) | Early Math | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 2:04
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Place value (hundreds, tens, ones)
  • Greater than (>)
  • Less than (<)
  • Comparing whole numbers

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two whole numbers up to 100 using place value.
  • Students will be able to identify and use the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols correctly.
  • Students will be able to explain their reasoning when comparing numbers.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they know what it means for one number to be 'bigger' or 'smaller' than another. Use concrete examples like comparing the number of toys or pencils. Introduce the terms 'greater than' and 'less than' in simple terms.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Watch the Khan Academy video "Comparing whole numbers | Place value (tens and hundreds) | Early Math | Khan Academy" together as a class. Pause the video at key points to ask questions and ensure understanding. Focus on the explanation of place value and how it helps in comparing numbers.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through examples similar to those in the video on the board. Start with comparing two-digit numbers (e.g., 25 and 32) and gradually introduce three-digit numbers (e.g., 145 and 142). Emphasize the importance of looking at the hundreds place first, then the tens place, and finally the ones place. Guide students in writing the correct symbols (>, <) between the numbers.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing comparison problems. Encourage them to use manipulatives (e.g., base-ten blocks) if needed. Circulate the classroom to provide individual support and answer questions.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to share their strategies for remembering the greater than and less than symbols. Briefly introduce the equal to (=) symbol.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Comparison
    Draw a number line on the board or use a large number line displayed in the classroom. Call out two numbers and have students point to them on the number line. Ask which number is 'further down' the number line (smaller) and which is 'further up' (larger).
  • Comparing with Manipulatives
    Provide students with base-ten blocks (hundreds flats, tens rods, and ones units). Give them two numbers to represent using the blocks. Have them compare the quantities and determine which number is greater or less.

Discussion Questions

  • How does knowing place value help us compare numbers?
  • How can you remember which way the 'greater than' and 'less than' symbols go?
  • What do you do if the hundreds digits are the same? (Or the tens digits?)

Skills Developed

  • Comparing numbers
  • Understanding place value
  • Using symbols to represent comparison
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which number is bigger, 12 or 15?

Correct Answer: 15

Question 2:

Which symbol means 'less than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 3:

What is bigger, 100 or 99?

Correct Answer: 100

Question 4:

Which way does the alligator's mouth open?

Correct Answer: Toward the bigger number.

Question 5:

Which of these is true?

Correct Answer: 5 < 10

Question 6:

What number comes right after 49?

Correct Answer: 50

Question 7:

What is bigger, 2 tens or 3 tens?

Correct Answer: 3 tens

Question 8:

Fill in the blank: 25 ___ 25

Correct Answer: =

Question 9:

What number is one less than 20?

Correct Answer: 19

Question 10:

How many ones are in the number 37?

Correct Answer: 7

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The symbol > means ________ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 2:

The symbol < means ______ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 3:

10 is _______ than 5.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 4:

2 is _______ than 7.

Correct Answer: less

Question 5:

We use _______ value to compare numbers.

Correct Answer: place

Question 6:

When the numbers are exactly the same, we use the _____ sign.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 7:

30 is _______ than 20.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 8:

15 is _______ than 16.

Correct Answer: less

Question 9:

The number 55 has five _____ and five ones.

Correct Answer: tens

Question 10:

When using the < or > symbol, the alligator's mouth always eats the _____ number.

Correct Answer: bigger

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.3:Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <. CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.A.1:Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Teaching Materials

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