Topic 3 of 8
Comparing two numbers
Step 2 · Numbers to 100 topics
Say which of two numbers is greater, which is less, or that they are equal, by matching, counting or looking at a number line.
Comparing groups
To compare two groups, match them up one to one, or count each group. The group with things left over has more.
Greater means more. Less means not as many. Equal means the same number.
Comparing written numbers
Numbers in counting order get bigger: each one is one more than the number before. So of two numbers, the one you say later when counting is greater.
Example: Greater or less
Which is greater, 6 or 9?
- Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
- 6 comes first and 9 comes later.
Answer9 is greater than 6
Using the number line
On a number line the numbers go up as you move right. The number further to the right is greater.
The space between them tells you how many more. From 5 to 8 is 3 steps, so 8 is 3 more than 5.
Try it yourself
Work each one on paper first, then open the answer to check.
Which is greater, 7 or 4?
Show answer
7.
Which is less, 2 or 9?
Show answer
2.
Is 5 greater than, less than or equal to 5?
Show answer
Equal.
How many more is 10 than 7?
Show answer
3 more.
Which number is between 3 and 5?
Show answer
4.