Use equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers.
Key learning points
- Use the symbols < > and = to compare pictorial representations.
- Use the symbols < > and = to compare numerical expressions.
- Compare 2 sets where the objects are not arranged linearly.
- Use a number line to help with sense of number.
- Moving along the number line corresponds to an increase in the value of the numbers - movement is magnitude.
Keywords
Number line - a line with numbers placed in their correct position.
More than / greater than - has a greater amount / more items.
Fewer than / less than - has a lesser amount / fewer items.
Equal to / the same - exactly the same amount or value.
Common misconception
Children may confuse the symbols < and >
Use lots of practical examples with cubes or objects inside the symbols so children can see the larger end contains the greater amount.
Teacher tip
Ask children to make two towers of cubes and use rulers lined up with the top and bottom of each tower to create the < > and = symbols. You could make movable < > and = symbols from strips of card attached to a piece of card with paper fasteners.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which set has fewer cubes?
Q2.Which set has more cubes?
Q3.Does this say 4 is less than 7 or 4 is greater than 7?
Q4.Does this say 5 is greater than 3 or 3 is greater than 5?
Q5.Sofia thinks there is more than one possible answer to this inequality. Is Sofia correct?
Q6.Which numbers could go in the gap?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does compare mean?
Q2.What could you say about these two sets of counters?
Q3.What could you say about these two sets of counters?
Q4.What could you say about these two sets of counters?
Q5.Which number is greater? 7 or 9?
Q6.Which numbers are less than 5?
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Use equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Use equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers, 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 1 maths lessons from the Comparing quantities - part part whole relationships unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.