Topic 4 of 7

More, fewer, and the same

Step 1 · Counting and shapes topics

Compare two groups by pairing them up or by counting, and say which has more, which has fewer, or that they are the same.

Matching one to one

To compare two groups, pair them up: one thing from this group with one thing from that group. If one group has things left over, that group has more.

Cups

Straws

5 cups and 3 straws in matching rows. Two cups have no straw, so there are more cups.

Line the two groups up in rows, side by side, so the pairs are easy to see.

More and fewer

More means a bigger amount. Fewer means a smaller amount. 5 cups are more than 3 straws, and 3 straws are fewer than 5 cups.

You can also count both groups. The number you say later when counting is the bigger amount: 5 comes after 3, so 5 is more.

On the counting line, 5 comes after 3, so 5 is more than 3.

The same amount

Two groups have the same amount when every thing has a partner and none are left over. 4 hats and 4 heads are the same amount.

Example: How many more

There are 4 dogs and 6 bones. Are there more dogs or more bones? How many more?

Pair each dog with a bone: 4 pairs.
2 bones are left over.
So there are more bones: 2 more.

AnswerMore bones, 2 more

Try it yourself

Work each one on paper first, then open the answer to check.

Which is more, 6 or 4?
Show answer
6. Counting, 6 comes after 4.
Row A: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●. Row B: ● ● ● ● ●. Which row has fewer?
Show answer
Row B, with 5. Row A has 7.
3 hats and 3 heads. Is that more, fewer or the same?
Show answer
The same: every head gets a hat and none are left over.
You have 5 apples and 2 bowls. How many more bowls do you need so each apple has a bowl?
Show answer
3 more bowls.
Which is fewer: 9 big balloons or 10 small balloons?
Show answer
9 big balloons. Size does not matter when comparing how many.