MyMathKidK-8 Curriculum

Grade 1 Number Comparison: Greater Than, Less Than (1-10)

Learn to compare numbers using > and <

What You'll Learn

  • Understand "greater than" means more
  • Understand "less than" means fewer
  • Use > and < symbols correctly

šŸ“–Comparing Numbers

When we compare numbers, we figure out which is bigger or smaller. 5 > 3 means "5 is greater than 3." 2 < 7 means "2 is less than 7."

šŸ’”

The "hungry alligator" always eats the bigger number! The open mouth points to the larger number.

Worked examples

Real problems from the practice worksheets, solved one step at a time.

  1. Example 1

    4 ___ 4

    1. To compare 4 and 4, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
    2. 4 is equal to 4.
    3. Since they are the same, use the = sign: 4 = 4.

    Answer: =

  2. Example 2

    4 ___ 8

    1. To compare 4 and 8, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
    2. 4 is less than 8.
    3. So 4 < 8. The open, wide end of the sign always faces the bigger number.

    Answer: <

  3. Example 3

    7 ___ 1

    1. To compare 7 and 1, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
    2. 7 is greater than 1.
    3. So 7 > 1. The open, wide end of the sign always faces the bigger number.

    Answer: >

Practice Worksheets

Comparing Numbers 1-10 (Set A)

Use >, <, or = to compare numbers from 1 to 10

10 problems
Start

Comparing Numbers 1-10 (Set B)

More comparison practice within 10

10 problems
Start

Comparing Numbers 1-10 (Set C)

Additional comparison within 10

10 problems
Start

Comparing Numbers 1-10 (Set D)

Keep practicing comparison within 10

10 problems
Start

Comparing Numbers 1-10 (Set E)

Master comparing numbers within 10

10 problems
Start
Next
Greater Than, Less Than (1-20)