Compare two numbers and say which is greater than or less than the other

I can compare two numbers and say which is greater than or less than the other.

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Compare two numbers and say which is greater than or less than the other

I can compare two numbers and say which is greater than or less than the other.

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Key learning points

Numbers can be represented as numerals or using representations.
Numbers can be compared to see which one is larger or smaller.
The equality and inequality symbols < > and = can be used to show which number is larger or smaller.
The 5 and a bit structure can be used to compare by comparing the additional 'bit'.

Keywords

Compare - You compare to find out what is the same and what is different and compare numbers to find out if one is greater than or less than another.
More than - More than means having a larger amount of objects in a set than another set.
Greater than - Greater than means a number has a larger value than another number.
Fewer than - Fewer than means having a smaller amount in a set than another set.
Less than - Less than means a number has a smaller value than another number.

Common misconception

Children may confuse the inequality symbols and use them the incorrect way around.

Take time to practise using the symbols with hand signals or using manipulatives. Emphasise the shape of the symbols reflecting their use i.e. more cubes 'fit' into the wider end of the symbol.

Using hand signals for greater than, less than and equal to can reinforce the correct use of inequality symbols. Encourage pupils to show the symbols visually every time they use comparative language.

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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).