X Tables
Maths In Games

Pokemon maths: stats and comparison

Use age-appropriate, adult-approved play examples to compare HP, attack and speed using greater than and less than.

Quick answer

You can use greater than and less than symbols to compare your Pokemon’s stats, like HP, Attack, and Speed, to choose the best ones for battles or team building.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to compare the stats of different Pokemon using greater than and less than symbols to decide which Pokemon are the strongest in each category. Success signs:
  • You can read and write symbols like > and < correctly
  • You can compare two numbers to see which one is bigger or smaller
  • You can use your comparison skills to choose the best Pokemon for your team
  • You can explain why one Pokemon is better than another in a certain stat

Why this matters

In Pokemon games, you often need to pick the best Pokemon to win battles. You can’t just pick your favourite – you need to look at the numbers! These numbers are called stats, like HP (health), Attack (how hard you hit), and Speed (how fast you move). When you compare these stats, you can choose which Pokemon will win more battles. This is just like comparing how many cookies you have, or how tall you are compared to your friend. It helps you make smart choices!

How it works

Let’s look at how to compare numbers using greater than and less than symbols:
  1. First, look at the two numbers you want to compare.
  2. Then, decide which one is bigger or smaller.
  3. Use the symbol > when the first number is bigger than the second number.
  4. Use the symbol < when the first number is smaller than the second number.
  5. Make sure the symbol always points to the smaller number.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine two Pokemon: Charizard and Bulbasaur. Here are their stats:
Pokemon HP Attack Speed
Charizard 78 84 100
Bulbasaur 45 49 45
Now, let’s compare them:
  • HP: Charizard (78) is greater than Bulbasaur (45), so we write: 78 > 45
  • Attack: Charizard (84) is greater than Bulbasaur (49), so we write: 84 > 49
  • Speed: Charizard (100) is greater than Bulbasaur (45), so we write: 100 > 45
This means Charizard is better than Bulbasaur in all stats! Let’s try another example with two different Pokemon.
Pokemon HP Attack Speed
Pikachu 35 55 90
Snorlax 160 110 30
  • HP: Snorlax (160) is greater than Pikachu (35), so: 160 > 35
  • Attack: Snorlax (110) is greater than Pikachu (55), so: 110 > 55
  • Speed: Pikachu (90) is greater than Snorlax (30), so: 90 > 30
This shows that Snorlax is strong in health and attack, but Pikachu is faster.

Try it as a mini adventure

You are a Pokemon trainer, and you have just caught two new Pokemon: Eevee and Jigglypuff. You want to know which one is better in each stat to build the strongest team. Here are their stats:
Pokemon HP Attack Speed
Eevee 65 55 55
Jigglypuff 115 45 20
Now, compare each stat and write your answers using > or <:
  1. HP: Eevee ___ Jigglypuff
  2. Attack: Eevee ___ Jigglypuff
  3. Speed: Eevee ___ Jigglypuff
Answers:
  1. HP: 65 < 115
  2. Attack: 55 > 45
  3. Speed: 55 > 20
So, Jigglypuff has more health, but Eevee is better in attack and speed. Which one do you think is better for your team?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Using the wrong symbol like 5 < 10 when you mean 10 > 5.
    Why it happens: Kids can get confused about which way the symbol points.
    Fix: Remember that the symbol always points to the smaller number. So, 5 < 10 means 5 is less than 10.
  • Mistake: Comparing numbers that are the same and writing 10 > 10.
    Why it happens: Some kids think they must always use a symbol.
    Fix: If two numbers are the same, you use the equals sign, like 10 = 10.
  • Mistake: Confusing which Pokemon is stronger when the numbers are close.
    Why it happens: It’s hard to tell which number is bigger when they are similar.
    Fix: Use a number line or count out loud to help compare.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Using real-life examples to compare numbers, like how many cookies you have vs. how many your sibling has.
  • Practising writing > and < symbols with your child using numbers from Pokemon cards or their own drawings.
  • Encouraging your child to explain why one Pokemon is better than another in a certain stat.
  • Letting your child choose their own Pokemon and compare their stats to see if they are stronger or weaker in each area.
  • Not worrying if they make a mistake – it’s a learning process!

Practice questions

  1. Compare the HP of two Pokemon: 70 and 85. Write the correct symbol.
  2. Compare the Attack of two Pokemon: 100 and 95. Write the correct symbol.
  3. Compare the Speed of two Pokemon: 60 and 60. Write the correct symbol.
  4. Compare the HP of two Pokemon: 40 and 30. Write the correct symbol.
  5. Compare the Attack of two Pokemon: 120 and 130. Write the correct symbol.
Answers:
  1. 70 < 85
  2. 100 > 95
  3. 60 = 60
  4. 40 > 30
  5. 120 < 130

FAQ

What does “greater than” mean?

Greater than means one number is bigger than another. For example, 10 is greater than 5, so we write 10 > 5.

What does “less than” mean?

Less than means one number is smaller than another. For example, 3 is less than 7, so we write 3 < 7.

How do I remember which way the symbol points?

Think of the symbol like a hungry crocodile – it always opens its mouth toward the bigger number!

Can I compare more than two Pokemon at once?

Yes! You can compare several Pokemon and decide which one is best overall or in a specific stat.

Why do I need to know how to compare Pokemon stats?

It helps you choose the best Pokemon for your team, and it’s useful for understanding numbers in everyday life!