Comparing Numbers: More and Less

Kindergarten · Math · Study Guide

Learn how to tell which number is more, which is less, and which are the same.

When we compare numbers, we look at two groups or two numbers and decide which one is bigger and which one is smaller.

More means a larger amount. If you have 5 crayons and your friend has 3 crayons, you have more crayons. Less means a smaller amount. Your friend has less crayons than you.

We can use special symbols to show comparing. The greater than sign > means the number on the left is more. The less than sign < means the number on the left is less. The equals sign = means both numbers are the same.

A helpful trick is to think of the symbols as a hungry alligator mouth. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number, so its mouth opens toward the bigger number. So 5 > 3 means 5 is greater than 3, and the alligator mouth opens toward 5.

You can also count objects to compare. Draw dots or use blocks to see which group has more. If both groups have the same count, they are equal.

Key terms

More: A larger amount than another number or group.
Less: A smaller amount than another number or group.
Equal: The same amount; neither more nor less.
Greater Than (>): A symbol that shows the number on the left is bigger.
Less Than (<): A symbol that shows the number on the left is smaller.
Compare: To look at two numbers or groups to see which is bigger, smaller, or the same.

Flashcards

More: A bigger amount. 8 is more than 5.
Less: A smaller amount. 2 is less than 6.
Equal: The same amount. 4 equals 4.
> (greater than): The left number is bigger. 7 > 3 means 7 is greater than 3.
< (less than): The left number is smaller. 2 < 9 means 2 is less than 9.
= (equals): Both sides are the same. 5 = 5.
Is 1 more or less than 10?: Less. 1 is less than 10.
Is 9 more or less than 6?: More. 9 is more than 6.

Questions

Which number is more: 7 or 4?
1. 4
2. 7
3. They are equal
4. I do not know
Show answer
Answer: 7
7 is more than 4. When counting, 7 comes after 4, which means it is bigger.
3 is less than 8.
Show answer
Answer: True
3 is less than 8. 3 is a smaller number than 8.
5 is ___ than 2. (more or less)
Show answer
Answer: more
5 is more than 2. 5 is a bigger number.
Which group has less: a group of 6 apples or a group of 9 apples?
1. The group of 9
2. The group of 6
3. They are equal
4. Both have the same
Show answer
Answer: The group of 6
The group of 6 apples is less than the group of 9 apples because 6 is smaller than 9.
4 and 4 are equal.
Show answer
Answer: True
4 and 4 are the exact same number, so they are equal.

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