Comparing Numbers (<, >, = within 20)
The open mouth always points toward the greater number. If both sides have the exact same quantity, use the equal sign (=).
What Does Comparing Numbers Mean?
Comparing numbers means looking at two amounts to see which one is greater (more), which one is less (fewer), or if they are equal (the exact same).
- Greater Than (>): The bigger number comes first ($18 > 12$).
- Less Than (<): The smaller number comes first ($9 < 15$).
- Equal To (=): Both numbers have the exact same value ($14 = 14$).
Interactive Alligator & Balance Explorer (0–20)
Change the numbers and watch the alligator mouth snap toward the bigger value!
Both have 1 ten. Comparing ones: 4 is less than 8, so the alligator chomps 18!
3 Steps to Compare Any Two Numbers to 20
🎯 The 3 Common Comparison Traps (And How to Avoid Them)
Watch out for these three mistakes when comparing numbers up to 20:
Confusing < and > Symbols
Student knows 15 is bigger than 8, but writes 15 < 8.
The symbol points backwards, reversing the entire mathematical statement.
Remember the Alligator Rule: The BIG mouth opens wide toward the BIG number! Or remember that '<' looks like an angled capital letter 'L' for 'Less than'.
Comparing Only the Ones Digit (6 vs 16)
When comparing 7 and 14, the student thinks 7 is bigger because 7 > 4.
Completely ignoring the 10 units bundled inside the teen number.
Use base-10 rods. Show that 14 has one full ten-rod (10) plus 4 loose ones, which is way taller than 7 single ones.
Forgetting the Equal Sign (=)
When given 12 ___ 12, the student picks > or < at random.
Assuming one number must always be bigger than the other.
If the numbers on both sides are identical, the balance is perfectly level! Use the equal sign (=).
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Comparing Numbers (<, >, =) Anchor Chart
Touch each object once while counting in order. The VERY LAST number spoken is the TOTAL quantity. You never need to recount!
1. The First Ten-Frame (1 to 10)
5 on top + 5 on bottom = 1 Full Ten (Anchor 10).
2. Teen Numbers (10 + Ones)
Example: 14 = 10 + 4 (1 Full Ten + 4 Extra Ones).
Organize items in a row or slide them left-to-right so you never lose your spot.
Synchronize your finger and voice 1-to-1. One touch = exactly one number spoken.
Circle the final number spoken. That number is the permanent total of the whole set!
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