Bigger or Smaller? Comparing Numbers!

Math Grades 1st Grade 1:58 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's learn how to compare whole numbers to see which is bigger and which is smaller!

Video Resource

Comparing Whole Numbers 3

Khan Academy

Duration: 1:58
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Comparing whole numbers
  • Identifying the greater number
  • Understanding place value (tens and ones)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two whole numbers and identify the larger number.
  • Students will be able to explain their reasoning for comparing numbers using place value.
  • Students will be able to use comparison vocabulary (greater than, less than, equal to).

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what it means for something to be 'bigger' or 'smaller'. Use everyday objects to illustrate the concept (e.g., a small book vs. a large book). Introduce the idea that we can compare numbers too.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Watch the Khan Academy video 'Comparing Whole Numbers 3'. Remind students to pay attention to how the numbers are compared.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    After the video, work through several examples together as a class. Write two numbers on the board (e.g., 15 and 21). Ask students which number is larger and why. Guide them to explain their reasoning based on the tens place. Repeat with other number pairs.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing pairs of numbers to compare. They should circle the larger number in each pair. Encourage them to write a sentence explaining their choice (e.g., '25 is bigger than 12 because 25 has more tens').
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the main concepts of the lesson. Ask students to share what they learned about comparing numbers. Briefly introduce the symbols > (greater than) and < (less than) for future lessons.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Comparison
    Use a number line. Point to two numbers on the number line and ask students which one is bigger. Emphasize that numbers further to the right are larger.
  • Comparing with Manipulatives
    Use base-ten blocks (or other counters). Give each student a set of blocks representing two different numbers. Have them compare the amounts to determine which is greater.

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean for a number to be 'bigger' than another number?
  • How can you tell which number is bigger just by looking at it?
  • Why is it important to know how to compare numbers?

Skills Developed

  • Comparing numbers
  • Place value understanding
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem Solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which number is bigger? 5 or 2?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 2:

Which number is bigger? 12 or 18?

Correct Answer: 18

Question 3:

Which number is smaller? 7 or 9?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 4:

Which number is smaller? 20 or 10?

Correct Answer: 10

Question 5:

Which number is bigger? 15 or 15?

Correct Answer: They are the same

Question 6:

Which number is bigger? 11 or 9?

Correct Answer: 11

Question 7:

Which number is smaller? 14 or 16?

Correct Answer: 14

Question 8:

Which number is smaller? 8 or 12?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 9:

Which number is bigger? 19 or 17?

Correct Answer: 19

Question 10:

Which number is smaller? 6 or 4?

Correct Answer: 4

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

5 is _______ than 3.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 2:

2 is _______ than 8.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 3:

10 is _______ than 7.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 4:

1 is _______ than 6.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 5:

12 is _______ than 15.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 6:

18 is _______ than 11.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 7:

9 is _______ than 13.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 8:

17 is _______ than 14.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 9:

4 is _______ than 10.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 10:

20 is _______ than 19.

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.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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