Comparing Numbers: Are They the Same or Different?

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:44 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's learn about comparing numbers! We'll see when numbers are the same and when they are different, and what symbols we use to show this.

Video Resource

Inequalities 1: Comparing Two Numbers

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 3:44
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Equal sign (=) means two values are the same.
  • Not equal sign (≠) means two values are different.
  • Greater than (>) means one value is bigger than the other.
  • Less than (<) means one value is smaller than the other.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and explain the meaning of the =, ≠, >, and < symbols.
  • Students will be able to compare two numbers and determine if they are equal or not equal.
  • Students will be able to use the > and < symbols to show which number is greater or less than the other.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they know what it means when things are the 'same'. Show examples of identical objects (e.g., two identical blocks) and ask if they are the same. Introduce the idea that numbers can also be the same.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Inequalities 1: Comparing Two Numbers' from Miacademy Learning Channel. Tell students to pay attention to the symbols the video introduces.
  • Symbol Review (5 mins)
    After the video, review each symbol: =, ≠, >, and <. Write them on the board and explain what each one means. Use simple examples like 2 = 2, 3 ≠ 4, 5 > 1, 2 < 6.
  • The 'Open Mouth' Trick (5 mins)
    Reiterate the 'open mouth' trick for the > and < symbols, emphasizing that the mouth always opens towards the bigger number. Draw a large open mouth on the board to represent this.
  • Practice Problems (10 mins)
    Write pairs of numbers on the board and have students write the correct symbol (=, ≠, >, <) between them. Start with simple examples (e.g., 4 __ 4, 2 __ 5, 7 __ 3) and gradually increase the complexity.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the symbols one last time and answer any remaining questions. Tell students they will be using these symbols a lot in math!

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Comparison
    Draw a number line on the board. Give students pairs of numbers and have them point to each number on the number line. Then, have them use the correct symbol to show which number is greater or less than the other.
  • Object Comparison
    Gather a collection of small objects (e.g., crayons, blocks). Show students two groups of objects and have them count the objects in each group. Then, have them write the numbers and use the correct symbol to show which group has more or less objects.

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean when two things are the 'same'?
  • Can you give me an example of two numbers that are equal?
  • Which symbol shows that two numbers are NOT the same?
  • How do you know which way the 'open mouth' should face when comparing numbers?

Skills Developed

  • Number recognition and comparison
  • Understanding of mathematical symbols
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which symbol means 'the same as'?

Correct Answer: =

Question 2:

Which symbol means 'not the same as'?

Correct Answer: ≠

Question 3:

Which symbol means 'bigger than'?

Correct Answer: >

Question 4:

Which symbol means 'smaller than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 5:

Which is true? 5 _ 2

Correct Answer: >

Question 6:

Which is true? 3 _ 3

Correct Answer: =

Question 7:

Which is true? 1 _ 4

Correct Answer: <

Question 8:

The open mouth eats the ______ number.

Correct Answer: Bigger

Question 9:

Which of these is NOT a symbol to compare numbers?

Correct Answer: +

Question 10:

What does ≠ mean?

Correct Answer: not the same

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The symbol = means the same ____.

Correct Answer: as

Question 2:

The symbol > means ________ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 3:

The symbol < means ________ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 4:

3 _____ 5 (Use <, >, or =)

Correct Answer: <

Question 5:

7 _____ 7 (Use <, >, or =)

Correct Answer: =

Question 6:

9 _____ 2 (Use <, >, or =)

Correct Answer: >

Question 7:

The _____ eats the bigger number.

Correct Answer: mouth

Question 8:

If two numbers are not the same, we can say they are _____ equal.

Correct Answer: not

Question 9:

The symbol that looks like an equal sign with a line through it means _____ equal.

Correct Answer: not

Question 10:

5 is ______ than 2.

Correct Answer: greater

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.7:Understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false. For example, which of the following equations are true and which are false? 6 = 6, 7 = 8 - 1, 5 + 2 = 2 + 5, 4 + 1 = 5 + 2. 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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