Comparing
Comparing is a fundamental K-8 math and critical thinking skill where students learn to evaluate quantities, numbers, expressions, or data using comparison symbols and language. Students compare using greater than, less than, and equal to, and apply comparing skills across number types, fractions, decimals, and data.
Key Concepts
Property greater lesser = difference ($g l = d$) and later earlier = difference ($l e = d$).
Examples $534,694 \text{ people} 447,619 \text{ people} = 87,075 \text{ difference}$ $1960 e = 43 \text{ years} \rightarrow 1960 43 = 1917 \text{ birth year}$ $14,496 \text{ ft} 8365 \text{ ft} = 6131 \text{ ft gain}$.
Explanation How much bigger or older? This plot finds the gap between two numbers. Just subtract the smaller from the larger one! To find the larger starting value, you must add the difference back.
Common Questions
What does comparing mean in math?
Comparing in math means determining whether one value is greater than, less than, or equal to another, using the symbols greater than, less than, or equals.
How do you compare fractions?
Find a common denominator or convert to decimals, then compare. You can also cross-multiply the numerators to see which is larger.
How do you compare negative numbers?
On a number line, numbers further to the left are smaller. For negative numbers, -5 is less than -2.
What symbols are used for comparing?
Greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) are the three main comparison symbols.
What grade level covers comparing numbers?
Comparing is introduced in early elementary school and developed through middle school with fractions, decimals, and negative numbers.