Use equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers

I can use the equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers.

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Year 1

Use equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers

I can use the equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Use the symbols < > and = to compare pictorial representations.
Use the symbols < > and = to compare numerical expressions.
Compare 2 sets where the objects are not arranged linearly.
Use a number line to help with sense of number.
Moving along the number line corresponds to an increase in the value of the numbers - movement is magnitude.

Common misconception

Children may confuse the symbols < and >

Use lots of practical examples with cubes or objects inside the symbols so children can see the larger end contains the greater amount.

Keywords

Number line - a line with numbers placed in their correct position.
More than / greater than - has a greater amount / more items.
Fewer than / less than - has a lesser amount / fewer items.
Equal to / the same - exactly the same amount or value.

Ask children to make two towers of cubes and use rulers lined up with the top and bottom of each tower to create the < > and = symbols. You could make movable < > and = symbols from strips of card attached to a piece of card with paper fasteners.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).