Greater Than, Less Than or Equal!

California Grade 1 CCSS Math Content 1.NBT.B.3
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.

Prior Knowledge:

Today we are going to work on comparing numbers.  Before we start lets review the place value rules for two digit numbers:

Take the number 15 - How many tens are there? How many ones? 1 (ten) and 5 (ones) Right?

Try that with these 5 numbers: 76, 48, 52, 91 and 27.  

Here are some fun games to review place value if you need to:

Place Value Game

Place Value Game 2

Lesson:

Today we are going to learn about these symbols:

 > (Greater Than)

 = (Equal)

 < (Less Than)

It is important in life to know which values are greater than, less than or equal to others.  This comes in handy especially for things like grocery shopping.  Mr. King loves to get deals.  So I look at the price tags to find the food that costs the lowest amount.  For example, when you go to the store to buy apples there are many different kinds all at different prices.  Well in order to get a deal I need to know which price is less and which price is greater.

Here is my word problem:

Mrs. King likes Fuji Apples, and they cost 76 cents each.  But Jeffrey, Johnny and Mr. King like Green apples and they cost 67 cents each.  How do I know which one to buy to get my deal?

Look at the place value 6 (tens) + 7 (ones) = 67 vs. 7 (tens) + 6 (Ones) = 76   Which one is greater?

76 Right? 76 has 9 more (ones) than 67.  Using our symbols we would right that like this

67 cents <  76 cents 

The easy way to remember the Greater than/Less than signs is the Alligator's mouth ALWAYS eats the bigger number.  So Mr. King buys Green apples to save money, while Mrs. King (the alligator) munches on her expensive Fuji Apples.

 

What if I had to choose between Jeffrey and Johnny's granola bars. I asked them for the cost and they both said 75 cents. Well now I'm stuck because there is no deal.  Each granola bar costs 75 cents. 

                    75 Cents                                             75 Cents

How would I write that using place value and one of our signs?  

7(tens) + 5 (ones) =  7(tens) + 5 (ones) -  Is this Right?  
So they are Equal in value.  Guess I have to buy them both!

Comparing Numbers Websites, Videos & Activities:

Here are some a couple videos and interactive Websites/Games to practice using Greater than, Less than and Equal signs. Everyone must watch 1 video and play at least 1 game to practice.  

Brain PoP Junior Video

You must log in to see this video and take the quiz. Login weaverwhale password weaverwhale

Comparing Numbers Racing Game
This game has different levels.  Please start at level one and if that is too easy move up.

Fruit Shoot Game
This game has different levels.  Please start at level one and if that is too easy move up.

Assignments:
1) Complete the Greater Than/Less Than quiz.  After you finish please print it out and turn it in with your homework packet at the end of the week.

Greater Than, Less Than or Equal Quiz
This quiz contains a mix of Multiple Choice, Matching and True/False Questions.  Simply click the answer you think is correct.  There are 10 questions.  After you take the quiz, click on "Check my Answers" then "Print this Quiz" at the upper right side of the page.

2)Written Response:
Please click on the link above "written response" and provide a written response to both questions.  Remember this is where you show me what you know!  This response will be part of your grade based on the rubric below.

Rubric for Written Response


Extra Credit: 
Math Lovers - Post a Greater than/Less than "Word Problem" in the Comment Box at the bottom of this blog and your table will get 2 extra bonus points.  Remember to include the Problem, Answer and your name.  Your table could get 8 bonus points if everyone participates!

Conclusion
Congratulations first graders, on completing this hybrid lesson! We will continue working on place value/comparing numbers throughout the year.  A great way to practice is using coins.  Learning to count different coins is our next math unit so if you start counting and comparing you will be ahead of the class!