Comparing Numbers

What is Comparing Numbers?

• Comparing means looking at two numbers to see which one is bigger, which one is smaller, or if they are the same.
• We use special "Alligator Mouth" symbols to show the relationship between numbers.
• It helps us understand the value of numbers.

The Three Main Symbols Imagine the symbols are the mouths of hungry alligators. The alligator always wants to eat the biggest amount!

1. Greater Than (>)

• Use this when the first number is bigger than the second number.
• Example: 10 > 5 (10 is greater than 5).

2. Less Than (<)

• Use this when the first number is smaller than the second number.
• Example: 3 < 8(3 is less than 8).

3. Equal To (=)

• Use this when both numbers are the same.
• Example: 6 = 6 (6 is equal to 6).

How to Compare Big Numbers When comparing numbers with two digits (like 25 and 41), follow these steps:

1. Check the Tens Place: Look at the first digit. The number with more "tens" is always bigger.

• Example: 41 has 4 tens, while 25 only has 2 tens. So, 41 > 25.

2. Check the Ones Place: If the tens are the same, look at the second digit (the ones).

• Example: 32 and 38 both have 3 tens. Since 8 is bigger than 2, then 38 > 32.

Why Do We Learn This?

• Decision Making: It helps you decide which pile of candy is bigger or which line is shorter.
• Money: You need to know if you have enough money to buy a toy by comparing the price to the money in your pocket.
• Ordering: Comparing is how we put numbers in order from smallest to greatest.

Lesson Summary

• The alligator mouth eats the bigger number.

• means Greater Than.

• < means Less Than.
• = means Equal To.