Comparing Numbers: Which is Bigger?

Math Grades 1st Grade 1:24 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare whole numbers using greater than and less than signs! We'll use a number line and yummy snacks to help us understand which numbers are bigger and smaller.

Video Resource

Comparing Whole Numbers 2

Khan Academy

Duration: 1:24
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Greater Than
  • Less Than
  • Number Line

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify which of two whole numbers is greater.
  • Students will be able to identify which of two whole numbers is less.
  • Students will be able to use the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols correctly.
  • Students will be able to use a number line to compare numbers.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Start by asking students if they know what it means when something is 'bigger' or 'smaller'. Use real-world examples like comparing the size of two pencils or two toys. Introduce the idea that numbers can also be 'bigger' or 'smaller'.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Comparing Whole Numbers 2'. Pause the video at key points to explain concepts further and check for understanding.
  • Number Line Exploration (10 mins)
    Draw a large number line on the board (0-10). Ask students to point to different numbers. Then, ask questions like 'Is 3 bigger or smaller than 7?' Guide students to see that numbers further to the right on the number line are bigger.
  • Symbol Introduction (10 mins)
    Introduce the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols. Explain the 'alligator' analogy: the alligator always wants to eat the bigger number. Practice drawing the symbols and identifying which way they should face. Emphasize that the 'open' part of the symbol faces the larger number and the 'pointy' part faces the smaller number.
  • Practice Activity (10 mins)
    Write pairs of numbers on the board (e.g., 4 and 9, 1 and 6). Have students write down the numbers with the correct greater than or less than symbol in between. For example: 4 < 9. Review answers as a class.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Recap the concepts of greater than and less than. Ask students to give examples of when they might compare numbers in their everyday lives (e.g., comparing the number of cookies they have versus a friend).

Interactive Exercises

  • Comparing Snacks
    Give each student a small pile of two different types of snack (e.g., crackers and grapes). Have them count each pile and then write down which pile has more using the greater than or less than symbol. For instance, if they have 3 crackers and 5 grapes, they would write 3 < 5.
  • Number Line Hop
    Create a large number line on the floor with tape. Call out two numbers and have a student 'hop' to each number. Ask the class which number is bigger based on which number is further down the line.

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean for a number to be 'greater than' another number?
  • How does a number line help us compare numbers?
  • How can we remember which way the greater than and less than signs go?

Skills Developed

  • Number Sense
  • Comparison
  • Symbol Recognition
  • Problem Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which number is bigger? 7 or 3?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 2:

Which sign means 'less than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 3:

Which number is smaller? 9 or 2?

Correct Answer: 2

Question 4:

What does this sign (>) mean?

Correct Answer: Greater than

Question 5:

Fill in the blank: 5 ____ 1. Which sign goes in the blank?

Correct Answer: >

Question 6:

Which of these is correct?

Correct Answer: 8 > 2

Question 7:

Which of these is correct?

Correct Answer: 5 < 10

Question 8:

Which number comes first on a number line?

Correct Answer: The smaller number

Question 9:

If you have 6 candies and your friend has 4 candies, who has less?

Correct Answer: Your friend

Question 10:

Which symbol looks like an alligator's mouth eating the bigger number?

Correct Answer: > or <

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The alligator always wants to eat the _______ number.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 2:

The sign < means _______ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 3:

The sign > means _______ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 4:

3 is _______ than 1.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 5:

1 is _______ than 3.

Correct Answer: less

Question 6:

We use a _______ _______ to help us compare numbers.

Correct Answer: number line

Question 7:

If a number is further to the right on the number line, it is ______.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 8:

7 ___ 4. Fill in the blank with > or <. The answer is > or <

Correct Answer: >

Question 9:

2 ___ 9. Fill in the blank with > or <. The answer is > or <

Correct Answer: <

Question 10:

The pointy part of the < or > sign points to the _______ number.

Correct Answer: smaller

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.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. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.5:Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2).

Teaching Materials

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