Grade 1 Number Comparison: Greater Than, Less Than (1-20)

Worked examples

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

1. Example 1

   14 ___ 19

   1. To compare 14 and 19, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
   2. 14 is less than 19.
   3. So 14 < 19. The open, wide end of the sign always faces the bigger number.

   Answer: <

2. Example 2

   14 ___ 14

   1. To compare 14 and 14, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
   2. 14 is equal to 14.
   3. Since they are the same, use the = sign: 14 = 14.

   Answer: =

3. Example 3

   8 ___ 1

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

   Answer: >