Comparing Numbers: Greater Than, Less Than, and Equal
Grade 1 · Math · Study Guide
Learn how to compare two numbers and use the symbols >, <, and = to show how they relate.
When we compare two numbers, we figure out which one is bigger, which is smaller, or if they are the same. We use special symbols to show this.
The greater than sign (>) means the first number is bigger. Think of the open side of the symbol as a hungry alligator mouth — it always opens toward the bigger number! So 8 > 5 means 8 is greater than 5.
The less than sign (<) means the first number is smaller. The pointed end points to the smaller number. So 3 < 9 means 3 is less than 9. The equals sign (=) means both numbers are exactly the same, like 6 = 6. You can use base-ten blocks or a number line to help you compare. Bigger numbers are farther to the right on a number line.
| Number A | Symbol | Number B | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | > | 4 | 9 is greater than 4 |
| 3 | < | 7 | 3 is less than 7 |
| 6 | = | 6 | 6 is equal to 6 |
| 12 | > | 8 | 12 is greater than 8 |
| 5 | < | 10 | 5 is less than 10 |
Key terms
- greater than (>)
- A symbol meaning the number on the left is bigger than the number on the right
- less than (<)
- A symbol meaning the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right
- equal to (=)
- A symbol meaning both numbers are the same
- compare
- To look at two numbers and decide which is bigger, smaller, or if they are the same
Flashcards
- > (greater than)
- The open side of the symbol points to the bigger number (e.g. 9 > 5)
- < (less than)
- The pointed end points to the smaller number (e.g. 3 < 8)
- = (equal to)
- Both sides are exactly the same (e.g. 7 = 7)
- Is 14 > 9?
- Yes! 14 is greater than 9
- Is 5 < 2?
- No! 5 is greater than 2; 2 < 5 is correct
- Compare 18 and 18
- 18 = 18 (they are equal)
Practice questions
Which symbol makes this true? 7 ___ 11
- >
- =
- <
- +
Show answer
Answer: <
7 is less than 11, so we use the less than symbol: 7 < 11
15 > 12 is a true statement.
Show answer
Answer: True
15 is greater than 12, so 15 > 12 is correct
Use >, <, or = : 9 ___ 9
Show answer
Answer: =
9 equals 9 — they are the same number
Which number makes this true? ___ < 6
- 8
- 6
- 10
- 4
Show answer
Answer: 4
4 is less than 6, so 4 < 6 is true
Anna has 13 berries. Ben has 17 berries. Which symbol goes between their amounts? 13 ___ 17
- =
- >
- <
- none
Show answer
Answer: <
13 is less than 17, so 13 < 17
Fun facts
- The alligator trick works great: the alligator always wants to eat the bigger number, so its mouth opens toward the bigger one!
- Mathematicians have been using the greater than and less than symbols since 1631!
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