Greater Than, Less Than, Equal To

When we compare two numbers, we want to know: which one is bigger? Which is smaller? Or are they the same? We use three special phrases and symbols to compare numbers.

The Three Comparison Words#

• Greater than means the first number is bigger. Symbol: >
• Less than means the first number is smaller. Symbol: <
• Equal to means both numbers are the same. Symbol: =

Examples#

• 7 > 4 — We say "seven is greater than four." 7 is bigger than 4.
• 3 < 8 — We say "three is less than eight." 3 is smaller than 8.
• 5 = 5 — We say "five is equal to five." They are the same!

The Alligator Trick#

Here is a fun way to remember the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols. Imagine the symbol is an alligator's open mouth. The alligator always wants to eat the BIGGER number. So the open mouth always faces the bigger number!

• 9 > 3 — The alligator opens its mouth toward 9. Nine is bigger!
• 2 < 6 — The alligator opens its mouth toward 6. Six is bigger!

The alligator always eats the bigger number. Never the smaller one!

Comparing Larger Numbers#

For two-digit numbers, compare the tens place first.

• 54 vs 38: 5 tens vs 3 tens. 5 tens > 3 tens, so 54 > 38!
• 27 vs 72: 2 tens vs 7 tens. 2 tens < 7 tens, so 27 < 72!

If the tens are the same, look at the ones place:

• 46 vs 43: Both have 4 tens. But 6 ones > 3 ones, so 46 > 43!

Practice With Real Objects#

Use objects at home to practice comparing. Put 7 blocks in one pile and 4 blocks in another. Which pile is greater? Which is less? Comparing real objects makes the idea concrete and easy to understand!