How to Compare Numbers

Imagine you have 5 gummy bears in one hand and 3 gummy bears in the other hand.

Which hand has more gummy bears? 🤔 

That's right! The one with 5 gummy bears has more! 

That's because 5 is bigger than 3.

      When we put two numbers side-by-side to see which is larger, we are comparing numbers.

Numbers can be larger, smaller, or equal to each other.

For example:

8 is greater than 3

In math, instead of writing "is greater than", we can use the greater than symbol, >

8 > 3

Cool.

The first number can also be smaller or less than the second number.

Take a look:

3 is less than 8

There's a symbol for less than too!

3 < 8

Numbers can also be equal.

8 is equal to 8

The symbol for equals is =.

8 = 8

Comparison Symbols

You just learned the 3 symbols for compare numbers!

> < =

Here's a review of what they mean.

Memorization Trick:

The open mouth always faces the larger number.

Great job! 

Now, practice comparing some numbers. You can do it!