Use equality and inequality symbols to compare the relative size of two numbers | Maths

Starter quiz

Which set has fewer cubes?

Set A ✓

Set B

They have the same amount of cubes.
Which set has more cubes?

Set A

Set B

They both have the same amount of cubes. ✓
Does this say 4 is less than 7 or 4 is greater than 7?

4 is less than 7 ✓

4 is greater than 7

4 is equal to 7
Does this say 5 is greater than 3 or 3 is greater than 5?

5 is greater than 3 ✓

3 is greater than 5
Sofia thinks there is more than one possible answer to this inequality. Is Sofia correct?

Yes ✓

No
Which numbers could go in the gap?

0 ✓

1 ✓

2 ✓

3 ✓

4 ✓

What does compare mean?

matching items to see which is more or less or the same. ✓

adding one more on.

taking one away.
What could you say about these two sets of counters?

7 < 8 ✓

7 > 8

7 = 8
What could you say about these two sets of counters?

7 < 6

7 > 6 ✓

7 = 6
What could you say about these two sets of counters?

7 < 7

7 > 7

7 = 7 ✓
Which number is greater? 7 or 9?

7 > 9

9 > 7 ✓

7 = 9
Which numbers are less than 5?

0 ✓

1 ✓

2 ✓

3 ✓

4 ✓

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Use the symbols < > and = to compare pictorial representations.
Use the symbols < > and = to compare numerical expressions.
Compare 2 sets where the objects are not arranged linearly.
Use a number line to help with sense of number.
Moving along the number line corresponds to an increase in the value of the numbers - movement is magnitude.

Children may confuse the symbols < and >

Use lots of practical examples with cubes or objects inside the symbols so children can see the larger end contains the greater amount.