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Khan Academy Kids Maths

Khan Academy Kids number sense maths mission

A practical mini-mission using number sense to practise comparison through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

You can use number sense to compare how many things there are, and decide which group is more, less, or the same.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to compare groups of objects and decide which has more, fewer, or the same number. Success signs:
  • You can look at two groups of things and say which one has more.
  • You can match objects from each group to see if they are the same.
  • You can use words like "more than", "less than", and "the same as".
  • You can solve simple problems about comparing numbers.

Why this matters

Number sense helps you understand how numbers work and how they compare. It’s useful in everyday life, like when you’re sharing toys, counting your pocket money, or deciding who has more stickers. It also helps you do better in maths at school and in games. If you can compare numbers easily, you’ll be ready for bigger maths challenges like addition and subtraction.

How it works

To compare groups of things, you can:
  1. Count how many things are in each group.
  2. Match one thing from the first group with one from the second group.
  3. See which group has extra things left over.
  4. Use words like "more than", "less than", or "the same as" to describe what you found.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some fun examples to help you understand. Example 1: Apples and oranges You have 5 apples and 3 oranges.
  • Count the apples: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Count the oranges: 1, 2, 3.
  • There are more apples than oranges.
Example 2: Toy cars You have 4 toy cars and your friend has 4 toy cars.
  • Count your cars: 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Count your friend’s cars: 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • You both have the same number of cars.
Example 3: Biscuits You have 7 biscuits and your brother has 9 biscuits.
  • Count your biscuits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • Count your brother’s biscuits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
  • Your brother has more biscuits than you.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Great Cookie Swap You and your friends are sharing cookies for a snack. Here’s your challenge:
  • Step 1: You have 6 cookies.
  • Step 2: Your friend has 4 cookies.
  • Step 3: How many more cookies does your friend need to have the same as you?
  • Step 4: If you give 2 cookies to your friend, how many cookies do you have left?
Answer: Your friend needs 2 more cookies to have the same as you. After giving 2 cookies, you have 4 cookies left.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 3 apples and 3 oranges means one group has more because apples look bigger. Why it happens: Looking at size instead of counting. Fix: Count each group carefully to see how many there are.
  • Mistake: Saying that 5 is less than 3 because 5 looks like a bigger number. Why it happens: Confusing the order of numbers. Fix: Use a number line or count objects to check.
  • Mistake: Matching objects one-to-one and forgetting to count. Why it happens: Not paying attention to the final group. Fix: After matching, count how many are left over in each group.

Parent and carer guide

Here’s how you can help your child learn number sense:
  • Count things together: toys, steps, fingers, or snacks.
  • Ask questions like: "Which group has more?" or "Are these the same?"
  • Use real-life examples: like sharing fruit or sorting socks.
  • Be patient and encourage them to explain their thinking.
  • Don’t worry if they make mistakes – that’s how they learn!

Practice questions

  1. There are 8 stars and 5 hearts. Which group has more?
  2. There are 3 butterflies and 3 bees. Are they the same?
  3. There are 6 birds and 9 fish. Which group has fewer?
  4. There are 4 cars and 4 trucks. Are they the same?
  5. There are 7 apples and 10 oranges. Which group has more?
Answers:
  1. Stars have more.
  2. Yes, they are the same.
  3. Fish have fewer.
  4. Yes, they are the same.
  5. Oranges have more.

FAQ

What is number sense?

Number sense is understanding how numbers work, like knowing which number is bigger or smaller, and how many things there are.

Why do we need to compare numbers?

Comparing numbers helps us solve problems, share things fairly, and understand the world around us better.

How can I practice comparing numbers at home?

You can compare toys, snacks, or even steps you take. Use words like "more than", "less than", and "the same as" to talk about what you find.

What if my child gets confused when comparing numbers?

It's normal! Practice with small numbers, use real objects, and keep it fun. Try games, counting songs, or drawing pictures to help.

Is it okay to use fingers to count when comparing?

Yes, using fingers is a great way to start. As your child gets better, they’ll start to understand numbers without needing to count each time.