Comparing numbers with symbols
Maths · Key Stage 1 · The School
What the three symbols mean
Less than is written <. Greater than is written >. Equal to is written =. 5 < 8 means 5 is less than 8. 9 > 3 means 9 is greater than 3. 6 = 6 means the two amounts match exactly. Read each symbol as a sentence.
The open mouth points at the bigger number
Picture the symbol as a mouth. It opens wide toward the bigger number. It points its tip at the smaller one. In 5 < 8, the wide part faces the 8. In 9 > 3, the wide part faces the 9. Check the wide side. That tells you if it is right.
The same fact, written both ways round
5 < 8 and 8 > 5 say the same thing. One says 5 is less than 8. The other says 8 is greater than 5. Neither is more correct. They are the same comparison. Just started from a different number.
Comparing two-digit numbers
Compare 34 and 41. Check the tens digit first. 3 tens against 4 tens. 34 is smaller. Write it: 34 < 41. Now compare 52 and 57. The tens tie at 5. Compare the ones instead: 2 against 7. So 52 < 57. Find the smaller number first. Then pick the symbol.
Ordering three numbers with symbols
Order 18, 25 and 9 from smallest to largest. Join them with symbols: 9 < 18 < 25. Read it as one sentence: "9 is less than 18, which is less than 25." Put a symbol between every pair of numbers, not just two at a time.