How_To_Be_Good_At_Math

20 NUMBERS •^ COMPARING NUMBERS

Comparing

numbers

We often need to know if a number is the same as, smaller than,

or larger than another number. We call this comparing numbers.

Less than

This time, there are

five cakes in the top row

and six in the bottom

row. So, the number in the

top row is less than the

number in the bottom.

Equal

Look at this tray of

cupcakes. There are five

cakes in each row. So, the

number in one row is

equal to the number in

the other.

Greater than

Now there are five

cakes in the top row and

three in the bottom one.

So, the number in the top

row is greater than the

number in the bottom one.

More, less, or the same?

When we compare amounts in everyday life, we use words like more,

less, larger, smaller, or the same as. In maths, we say numbers or

amounts are greater than, less than, or equal to each other.

There are more cakes

in the top row

There are fewer cakes

in the top row

The number of

cakes in each row

is the same

EQUAL

GREATER

THAN

LESS

THAN

We use comparison symbols

to show the relationship

between two numbers.

020_021_Comparing_Numbers.indd 20 29/02/2016 18:56