Grade 1 Number Comparison: Equal To, Not Equal

Worked examples

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

1. Example 1

   17 ___ 17

   1. To compare 17 and 17, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
   2. 17 is equal to 17.
   3. Since they are the same, use the = sign: 17 = 17.

   Answer: =

2. Example 2

   5 ___ 20

   1. To compare 5 and 20, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
   2. 5 is less than 20.
   3. So 5 < 20. The open, wide end of the sign always faces the bigger number.

   Answer: <

3. Example 3

   5 ___ 17

   1. To compare 5 and 17, look at how big each number is. For bigger numbers, compare one place at a time, starting from the left.
   2. 5 is less than 17.
   3. So 5 < 17. The open, wide end of the sign always faces the bigger number.

   Answer: <