X Tables
Early Years Maths

Comparing numbers with symbols

Introduce <, > and = using crocodile stories carefully and accurately.

Quick answer

You can compare numbers using symbols: < (less than), > (greater than), and = (equal to). These symbols help you show which number is bigger or smaller, or if they are the same.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use the symbols , and = to compare numbers and say which one is bigger, smaller, or the same. Success signs:
  • You can show which number is bigger using the correct symbol
  • You can tell if two numbers are the same using the equals sign
  • You can explain why one number is greater than another
  • You can use the symbols in simple maths problems

Why this matters

Comparing numbers is important in maths because it helps you understand how big or small things are. You use this skill every day when you share toys, count your pocket money, or decide which game has more players. In school, you'll use these symbols to solve bigger problems, compare data, and understand how numbers relate to each other. Knowing how to compare numbers is also useful for games, sports, and cooking!

How it works

The symbols , and = are like little crocodiles that want to eat the bigger number. Here’s how they work:
  1. Greater than (>): The crocodile’s mouth opens towards the bigger number. For example, 7 > 3 means 7 is greater than 3.
  2. Less than (<): The crocodile’s mouth opens towards the bigger number. For example, 2 < 5 means 2 is less than 5.
  3. Equal to (=): The crocodile doesn’t need to eat anything because both sides are the same. For example, 6 = 6 means 6 is equal to 6.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some examples using numbers and objects. Example 1: Comparing with < Imagine you have 3 apples and your friend has 5 apples.
  • 3 < 5
  • The crocodile eats the 5 because 5 is bigger
Example 2: Comparing with > You have 8 stickers and your brother has 4 stickers.
  • 8 > 4
  • The crocodile eats the 8 because 8 is bigger
Example 3: Comparing with = You and your friend both have 7 cookies.
  • 7 = 7
  • Both sides are the same, so the crocodile doesn’t eat anything
Real-world example: Sharing pizza Imagine you and your sibling are sharing pizza. You have 6 slices, and your sibling has 6 slices.
  • 6 = 6
  • You both have the same amount
Another real-world example: Football scores In a football game, one team scored 10 goals and the other scored 7 goals.
  • 10 > 7
  • The team with 10 goals scored more

Try it as a mini adventure

The Crocodile’s Great Hunt You are on a mission to help the crocodile find the biggest number in each pair. The crocodile’s mouth must open towards the bigger number. Adventure steps:
  1. First pair: 3 and 7. Which is bigger? 7 is bigger. So the crocodile eats 7. Write: 3 < 7
  2. Second pair: 12 and 9. Which is bigger? 12 is bigger. So the crocodile eats 12. Write: 9 < 12
  3. Third pair: 5 and 5. Are they the same? Yes. So the crocodile doesn’t eat anything. Write: 5 = 5
  4. Fourth pair: 15 and 10. Which is bigger? 15 is bigger. So the crocodile eats 15. Write: 10 < 15
  5. Fifth pair: 20 and 20. Are they the same? Yes. So the crocodile doesn’t eat anything. Write: 20 = 20

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Using the wrong symbol for a pair of numbers. Why it happens: Confusing which number is bigger. Fix: Count the numbers or use objects to compare them.
  • Mistake: Thinking that 3 < 5 means 3 is greater than 5. Why it happens: Not remembering which way the symbol points. Fix: Remember the crocodile eats the bigger number.
  • Mistake: Writing 5 = 5 as 5 < 5. Why it happens: Not realising that equal means the same. Fix: Use the crocodile story: if both sides are the same, the crocodile doesn’t eat.

Parent and carer guide

  1. Start with simple numbers: Begin with numbers 1 to 10. Use counting objects like toys or snacks.
  2. Use the crocodile story: Tell the story that the crocodile eats the bigger number. It helps children remember which way the symbol points.
  3. Practice daily: Use everyday situations like comparing the number of toys, snacks, or books.
  4. Be patient: Some children need more time to understand the symbols. That’s okay!
  5. Encourage mistakes: When a child makes a mistake, ask them to explain their thinking. This helps them learn better.

Practice questions

  1. Which symbol should go between 4 and 6? Answer: <
  2. Which symbol should go between 10 and 3? Answer: >
  3. Which symbol should go between 7 and 7? Answer: =
  4. Which symbol should go between 15 and 12? Answer: >
  5. Which symbol should go between 9 and 11? Answer: <
  6. Which symbol should go between 8 and 8? Answer: =
  7. Which symbol should go between 20 and 18? Answer: >
  8. Which symbol should go between 14 and 14? Answer: =
  9. Which symbol should go between 1 and 5? Answer: <
  10. Which symbol should go between 13 and 9? Answer: >

FAQ

What do the symbols <, >, and = mean?

These symbols are used to compare numbers. < means less than, > means greater than, and = means equal to.

How can I remember which way the symbols point?

Think of the symbols as crocodiles. The crocodile’s mouth opens towards the bigger number.

Can I use these symbols with big numbers?

Yes! You can use these symbols with any numbers, even very big ones.

Why do we need to compare numbers?

Comparing numbers helps us understand which is bigger or smaller, and it is useful in everyday life, like when sharing or making decisions.

Can I use these symbols in games?

Yes! Many games use symbols to show scores, levels, or points. You can use these symbols to compare your scores with others.