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image: “Greater than Sign & Less than Sign.” Superstar Worksheets, 3 Apr. 2024, superstarworksheets.com/math-worksheets/greater-than-sign-less-than-sign/.
In math we can compare numbers using the less then, equal too and greater than signs.
A < B Means A is less than B in value.
A > B Means A is greater than B in value.
A = B Means that A and B share the same value.
These are examples of inequalities.
In the base-ten system, the value of a place is always greater than the largest number that can be made from all the lower places to its right. As explained in our workbook "Because the structure of the base-ten system is uniform, the situation is the same for deci-mals as for whole numbers. For example, even if we make the largest possible number that uses only the hundredths and thousandths places—namely, 0.099—this number is still less than the smallest number we can make using a nonzero entry in the tenths place- namely, 0.1." (Beckman, 2022).
Beckmann, S. (2022). Mathematics for elementary and middle school teachers: With activities (6th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.
This is a great introduction video for students who are learning how to find larger values and compare numbers.
Comparing Value
Comparing Value
When comparing numbers always start by looking at the number furthest to the left, otherwise known as the largest place value.
As you move left the place value increases by 10.
Lafountaine of Knowledge. (2001, November 4). Comparing Numbers Using Place Value. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i0Kq5gpAvI
Comparing Numbers on Number Lines
Comparing Numbers on Number Lines
image: Virtualnerd. “How Do You Compare Integers Using a Number Line?: Printable Summary: Virtual Nerd.” How Do You Compare Integers Using a Number Line? | Printable Summary | Virtual Nerd, virtualnerd.com/worksheetHelper.php?tutID=PreAlg_01_01_0009. Accessed 5 May 2025.
Using a numberline is a helpful visual for students in remembering that numbers further to the right of the line are the larger numbers. The numbers further to the left of the line are smaller. This is where mistakes are made when learning and where the second visual comes in handy. Students often mistake -11 as larger than -8 because it is viewed as a larger number. The concept of negative numbers can become overwhelming quickly. Practice, patience and visuals will help!
Here are a couple examples of working with negative numbers. In my classroom I would prefer to work as much as possible with hands on materials and use worksheets as fillers. Number lines on desks, marbles, money and any physical token you can show in numbers and then take away, showing a negative would work.
Some ways of teaching negative numbers in the classroom:
Number line jumps
Real World Context: Money, Temperature
Physical Tokens
Some students may struggle with the concept of negative numbers and the tools we use to teach them. Patience and creativity will be key with the negatives!
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