Comparing Numbers Using Symbols (<, >, =)
In Grade 1, we learn how to compare numbers using special symbols. These symbols help us understand the relationship between two numbers. The symbols we use are:
- < (Less Than)
- > (Greater Than)
- = (Equal To)
Understanding the Symbols
< (Less Than)
The symbol < means "less than." It tells us that the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right. For example:
2 < 5
This means 2 is less than 5.
> (Greater Than)
The symbol > means "greater than." It tells us that the number on the left is bigger than the number on the right. For example:
7 > 3
This means 7 is greater than 3.
= (Equal To)
The symbol = means "equal to." It tells us that the number on the left is the same as the number on the right. For example:
4 = 4
This means 4 is equal to 4.
Examples and Analogies
Let's imagine we have two baskets of apples. If one basket has fewer apples than the other, we can use the < symbol to show this. If one basket has more apples, we use the > symbol. If both baskets have the same number of apples, we use the = symbol.
For example:
- If Basket A has 3 apples and Basket B has 6 apples, we write: 3 < 6.
- If Basket C has 8 apples and Basket D has 2 apples, we write: 8 > 2.
- If Basket E has 5 apples and Basket F has 5 apples, we write: 5 = 5.
Practice Time
Try comparing these numbers using the symbols <, >, and =:
- 1 ___ 3
- 9 ___ 7
- 5 ___ 5
- 2 ___ 4
- 6 ___ 6
Remember, the < symbol points to the smaller number, the > symbol points to the bigger number, and the = symbol shows that both numbers are the same.