Relational operators
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use relational operators as part of selection statements.
Key learning points
- Relational operators are used to compare values in expressions.
- Expressions either return as True or False.
- Relational operators can be used in selection statements.
Keywords
Relational operator - compare two values and produce the result of True or False
Condition - an expression that evaluates to True or False
Selection - used when there is more than one possible path for a program to follow
Common misconception
The = operator is used for comparison.
When using Python for programming the == operator is used for comparison and the = operator is used for assignment. Other languages may not always use these operators for these tasks.
Teacher tip
Pupils need to be familar with the relational operators ==, !=, > and <. If required, spend more time checking they understand each operator and how it is used to compare values.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device that can edit and run Python programs. Examples in this lesson use the RPF Code Editor https://oak.link/python-editor
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does integer division // do?
Q2.What comes first in the order of operations?
Q3.The expression `25 % 4` returns .
Q4.Match the operator with its function.
addition
subtraction
multiplication
real division
integer division
modulo division
Q5.Match the expression with the result.
20
4
2
3.0
Q6./ performs real division and returns a decimal, while // performs division and discards the remainder.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do relational operators do in a program?
Q2.What is the result of the expression 15 > 12?
Q3.The correct way to check if age is greater than 18 in Python is if age ___ 18:
Q4.Match the operator to the operation.
greater than
less than
equal to
not equal to
greater than or equal to.
less than or equal to
Q5.Match the expression with its result.
True
False
Q6.What will be displayed if score = 11 in the following code?
123456if score < 5:
print("You lose")
elif score <= 10:
print("Not bad!")
else:
print("You win!") Code colour
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Relational operators, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Relational operators, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Programming: selection unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.