Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Solve problems by comparing sets of objects

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can solve problems by comparing the number of objects in two sets.

      Key learning points

      1. Make comparisons between 2 sets of the same objects.
      2. Make comparisons between 2 sets of different objects.
      3. Count the different objects separately.
      4. One set can contain more or fewer objects than the other.
      5. Both sets can contain the same number of objects.

      Keywords

      • Same - two or more things are identical

      • Different - non-identical

      • More than / greater than - has a greater amount / more items.

      • Less than / fewer than - has a lesser amount / fewer items.

      • Equal to - exactly the same amount or value

      Common misconception

      Children may think that bigger objects, or objects that are spread out have a greater value.

      Emphasise that we are counting the number of objects and it does not matter about the size or position.

      Teacher tip

      The lesson starts to make comparisons between sets of objects. Provide opportunities for practical comparison of a variety of objects.

      Licence

      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).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the next number in the count? 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ...

      9
      10
      Correct answer: 11

      Q2.
      How many counters can you see altogether?

      An image in a quiz
      6
      7
      Correct answer: 8

      Q3.
      What is one more than 5?

      4
      5
      Correct answer: 6

      Q4.
      What is one less than 10?

      8
      Correct answer: 9
      10

      Q5.
      Do these sets show the same amount or not the same?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: The same amount.
      Not the same amount.
      We can't tell.

      Q6.
      Which pictures show more than 4?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which set shows 5 cubes?

      Set A
      Correct answer: Set B
      Set C

      Q2.
      Which set shows more than 5 cubes?

      Set A
      Set B
      Correct answer: Set C

      Q3.
      Which set shows fewer than 5 cubes?

      Correct answer: Set A
      Set B
      Set C

      Q4.
      Which set has more cubes?

      An image in a quiz
      Set A
      Set B
      Correct answer: They have the same amount of cubes.

      Q5.
      Which set has fewer cubes?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: Set A
      Set B
      They have the same amount of cubes.

      Q6.
      Which pictures show more than 5?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Solve problems by comparing sets of objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...