🔢 MathLevel 1Lesson 3
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Comparing Numbers (More or Less)

How to use: Download the PDF to print the worksheet. Then use this page to repeat activities and check answers.

Learning Objectives

  • 1Look at two numbers
  • 2Say which is more and which is less
  • 3Explain how you know using counting or a number line
  • 4Recognise when two numbers are equal
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Mini Lesson

Which pile of grapes is bigger — 3 or 7? Numbers tell us how many, and we can always compare them to find out which is more and which is less!

What "more" means

  • A number is more when it is further along in the counting order.
  • Example: 7 is more than 3 because we say 7 after 3 when counting.
  • On a number line, the number further to the right is always more.

What "less" means

  • A number is less when it comes earlier in the counting order.
  • Example: 3 is less than 7 because 3 comes before 7.
  • On a number line, the number further to the left is always less.

Two ways to compare

  • Count objects: Line them up and see which group has leftovers.
  • Use the number line: The number on the right is always more.

When numbers are equal

  • If two numbers are the same — like 5 and 5 — they are equal.
  • Neither is more and neither is less.
Vocabulary
More
A number further along in the counting ordere.g. 7 is more than 3
Less
A number earlier in the counting ordere.g. 3 is less than 7
Equal
Two numbers that are the samee.g. 5 = 5
Number line comparing 3 and 7A number line from 0 to 10 with 3 marked in orange and 7 marked in blue, showing that 7 is further right and therefore more than 3.Number Line — Who is more?01234567893 — less7 — morefurther right = moreThe RuleRight on the number line = MORELeft on the number line = LESSSame position = EQUAL
A number line from 0–9 showing 3 (orange) and 7 (blue) — 7 is further right so it is more.
Comparing 4 apples and 9 applesTwo groups of apples — 4 on the left and 9 on the right — with labels showing which group is less and which is more.Compare by counting objects🍎🍎🍎🍎4LESS🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎9MOREvs9 is more because it comes later when counting.
Two groups of apples — 4 (less) on the left and 9 (more) on the right.
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Ask yourself: "Which number comes later when I count? That one is more!"

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Guided Practice

Choose 3 items from the Trace menu and copy them neatly on paper. Then use the Tracing Pad to practice numbers and math marks.

Tracing Pad

Tip: When you trace a comparison like "3 < 7," say it aloud: "3 is less than 7." Saying it helps you remember the rule!

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Exercises

Drag each number into the correct bucket — Less than 10 or More than 10.

Less than 10

More than 10

1. Which number is more — 5 or 8?

2. On a number line, the number further to the RIGHT is always —

3. You have 6 red blocks and 6 blue blocks. Which group has more?

4. Which number is less — 2 or 9?

5. What is the best way to compare two numbers?

6. Is 15 more than or less than 10?

7. You have 4 pencils and 7 pencils. How can you check which is more?

8. Which number is less than all the others — 1, 5, or 9?

9. On a number line, the number further to the LEFT is always —

10. Sam has 50 stickers. Mia has 100 stickers. Who has more?

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Assessment

Parent / Teacher Checklist

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