Number & place value
Comparing and Ordering Numbers
Year 1 · Year 2
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to compare two numbers using the terms 'more than' and 'less than'.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to use the symbols <, > and = correctly to compare numbers.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to order a small set of numbers from smallest to largest or largest to smallest.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify which of two numbers is 'more than' or 'less than' the other.
Key concepts
When one number or group of objects has a bigger amount than another, we say it is 'more than'. For example, 5 is more than 3 because 5 has a bigger amount.
When one number or group of objects has a smaller amount than another, we say it is 'less than'. For example, 3 is less than 5 because 3 has a smaller amount.
When two numbers or groups of objects have the exact same amount, we say they are 'equal to' each other. For example, 4 is equal to 4.
This symbol means 'greater than' or 'more than'. The open side of the symbol always faces the bigger number. Think of it like a hungry crocodile's mouth wanting to eat the bigger number! For example, 7 > 2 means '7 is greater than 2'.
This symbol means 'less than'. The pointy side of the symbol always faces the smaller number. The crocodile's mouth is still open towards the bigger number! For example, 3 < 8 means '3 is less than 8'.
This symbol means 'equal to' or 'the same as'. We use it when two numbers or amounts are exactly alike. For example, 5 = 5 means '5 is equal to 5'.
Key facts to remember
- 1The symbol '>' means 'greater than' or 'more than'.
- 2The symbol '<' means 'less than'.
- 3The symbol '=' means 'equal to' or 'the same as'.
- 4The open side of the '>' or '<' symbol always points towards the bigger number.
- 5When ordering numbers, 'smallest to largest' means starting with the lowest value and ending with the highest.
- 6When ordering numbers, 'largest to smallest' means starting with the highest value and ending with the lowest.
- 7Numbers get bigger as you count forwards (e.g., 1, 2, 3...).
- 8Numbers get smaller as you count backwards (e.g., 10, 9, 8...).
Worked examples
Example 1
Which number is more than the other: 6 or 4?
Answer
6 is more than 4.
You can use objects like counters or blocks to help you see which group has more.
Example 2
Fill in the correct symbol (>, < or =) in the box: 9 ☐ 5
Answer
9 > 5
Remember the crocodile always wants to eat the bigger number!
Example 3
Order these numbers from smallest to largest: 7, 2, 10, 4
Answer
2, 4, 7, 10
You can use a number line to help you put numbers in order.
Common mistakes
- ✗Mixing up the '<' and '>' symbols. Always remember the 'crocodile' eats the bigger number!
- ✗Not understanding the difference between 'more than' and 'less than'.
- ✗Incorrectly ordering numbers, especially when asked to go from largest to smallest instead of smallest to largest.
- ✗Forgetting to compare the numbers carefully and just guessing the symbol.
Exam tips
- ★Always read the question carefully to know if you need to order from smallest to largest or largest to smallest.
- ★If you are unsure, draw a number line to help you visualise which numbers are bigger or smaller.
- ★Use your fingers or counters to represent the numbers and compare the amounts.
- ★After you have placed a symbol or ordered numbers, check your answer by reading it aloud to make sure it makes sense (e.g., '7 is greater than 2').
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