🧮 Comparing Numbers Using <, >, and = Math Guide
Understanding how to compare numbers helps children develop number sense and prepares them for real-life problem-solving. In first grade, students learn to use the symbols < (less than), > (greater than), and = (equal to) to compare numbers up to 100.
🔢 What Do These Symbols Mean?
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>Greater Than: The number on the left is bigger.
Example: 74 > 29 -
<Less Than: The number on the left is smaller.
Example: 18 < 90 -
=Equal To: Both numbers are the same.
Example: 65 = 65
🧠 Concept Tip: The Alligator Trick!
Teach kids to imagine that the symbols are hungry alligators. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number!
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✅ 7 > 3 → The alligator eats 7
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✅ 45 < 88 → The alligator eats 88
Use this visual to help students remember which way the symbol should point.
📘 Teaching Strategies
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Use Visual Aids:
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Number lines and counters help students visualize amounts.
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Use two stacks of blocks to compare visually.
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Interactive Games:
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Create “Alligator Mouth” cards with movable jaws.
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Sorting numbers using
<,>,=signs.
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Anchor Charts:
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Make a colorful poster showing the meaning of each symbol and examples.
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Daily Practice:
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Use real-life examples like snacks, toys, or classroom objects to compare quantities.
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🎲 Fun Activity: Number Battle
What You Need:
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Deck of number cards (0–100)
How to Play:
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Two students each draw a card.
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The one with the bigger number wins that round.
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Students place the correct symbol between the numbers.
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Keep score with points for each correct comparison.
✍️ Practice Examples
| Left Number | Symbol | Right Number | True or False? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | > | 10 | ✅ True |
| 33 | < | 40 | ✅ True |
| 50 | = | 45 | ❌ False |
| 88 | > | 89 | ❌ False |
| 19 | = | 19 | ✅ True |
💡 Real-Life Examples
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“I have 12 crayons, you have 15. Who has more?”
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“We have 2 packs of cookies with 8 each. Is that more than 15 cookies?”
🎧 Bonus Resources
Comparing numbers with <, >, and = is a foundational skill for math confidence. With fun visuals, hands-on games, and real-world practice, kids will master this concept in no time. Keep practicing and let the alligator do the talking!