Greater than, less than and equal to, for kindergarten to 2nd grade. Start with the chart of the three symbols, compare groups of pictures, then compare numbers to 20, two-digit and three-digit numbers, and put numbers in order.
The three symbols with their names, a picture example of each, and how to remember which way the sign points.
Download PDF
Six pairs of picture groups with their numbers. Write the symbol in the circle. Includes answer key.
Download PDF
Sixteen pairs of numbers from 2 to 20, some of them equal. Includes answer key.
Download PDF
Six pairs of two-digit numbers drawn as tens rods and ones blocks, such as 23 and 32. Includes answer key.
Download PDF
Sixteen pairs, with plenty of swapped digits such as 47 and 74. Includes answer key.
Download PDF
Sixteen pairs to 999, including close ones such as 499 and 501. Includes answer key.
Download PDF
Six sets of four numbers to write from least to greatest, from one digit to three digits.
Download PDFComparing numbers means deciding which of two numbers is bigger and writing it down with a symbol: > for greater than, < for less than and = for equal to. Most children can tell which number is bigger long before they can remember which way the sign goes, so the sign is where the practice is needed.
The chart gives one rule that always works: the open side faces the bigger number. It also shows the hungry alligator that many teachers use, and how to read a comparison aloud from left to right. Compare with Pictures keeps real things to count on the page while the symbols are new.
Bigger numbers are compared by place value. Compare with Tens and Ones draws each number as rods of ten and single blocks, so it is plain that 32 is more than 23 even though both use a 2 and a 3. The two-digit sheet then repeats that with digits only, and deliberately includes many swapped pairs such as 47 and 74. The three-digit sheet adds hundreds.
Order the Numbers asks for four numbers from least to greatest, which is comparing done several times over. For work on the place value behind all of this, see the place value worksheets and the place value chart. Younger children who are not ready for symbols can start with the more and fewer worksheets, and a number line is a good check: the number farther right is greater.
Printable Scholar