Grade 1Mathmedium
Comparing Numbers: Greater Than, Less Than, and Equal To
This worksheet helps students practice comparing numbers using symbols <, >, and = with numbers 1-20, and includes number ordering activities.
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Identify which of two numbers between 1-20 is greater or less using visual comparison strategies
- Apply the correct comparison symbols (<, >, =) when comparing pairs of numbers within the 1-20 range
- Arrange three or more numbers from 1-20 in ascending and descending order
- Recognize when two numbers are equal and demonstrate this understanding using the equals symbol
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Review numbers 1-20 with your child using a number line or hundred chart to ensure number recognition is solid
- Step 2: Start with the comparison problems, having your child read both numbers aloud and identify which is bigger before writing the symbol
- Step 3: Use physical objects like blocks or fingers to represent smaller numbers if your child needs concrete visual support
- Step 4: Work through the number ordering activities by having your child first identify the smallest number, then the largest, before arranging the complete sequence
- Step 5: Check answers together and have your child explain their thinking for any incorrect responses to reinforce understanding
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Help students remember symbol direction by teaching the 'alligator mouth' trick - the open mouth always wants to eat the bigger number, so it opens toward the larger value
Watch for students who confuse < and > symbols; have them practice by drawing the symbols as arrows pointing to the smaller number or use the phrase 'less than points left'
When students struggle with comparing teen numbers, encourage them to focus on the tens place first (all teens start with 1), then compare the ones place to determine which is greater
For number ordering activities, provide a number line 1-20 as a visual reference until students can confidently sequence numbers independently
Frequently Asked Questions
My child keeps flipping the < and > symbols. How can I help them remember which way they go?
Try the 'Pac-Man' or 'hungry alligator' method - the symbol always opens its mouth toward the bigger number because it wants to eat more. You can also teach 'the small end points to the small number' or have them make the symbols with their fingers while saying which number is greater.
Should my first grader memorize all number comparisons 1-20 or use strategies each time?
At this stage, focus on understanding and strategies rather than memorization. Help your child develop number sense by using a number line, counting up or back, and recognizing patterns. Automatic recall will develop naturally with practice and understanding.
My child can compare single-digit numbers but struggles with teens. What's the best approach?
Emphasize that all teen numbers start with 1 in the tens place, so they need to look at the ones place to compare. Practice with teen numbers on a number line and point out that 17 comes after 15, so 17 > 15. Use base-ten blocks if available to show the visual difference.
How can I tell if my child truly understands comparisons or is just guessing?
Ask your child to explain their thinking out loud. They should be able to tell you why one number is greater or use strategies like 'I know 12 is bigger than 9 because 12 comes after 9 when I count.' If they can't explain their reasoning, provide more practice with concrete manipulatives.
What should I do if my child is making errors in the number ordering section?
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