algebra · Year 4 · Suggested learning sequence

Comparing with <, > and =

The sign < means 'is less than', > means 'is greater than' and = means 'is equal to'. The open end of < and > always faces the bigger number. Work out the value of each side, then choose the sign. Sometimes you can compare without calculating: if both sides start with the same number, only compare what changes, and remember that taking away more leaves less.

Sample questions

Choose <, > or = to make this true: 22 + 22 ○ 41

  1. Work out the left side: 22 + 22 = 44.
  2. 44 is greater than 41.
  3. 22 + 22 > 41

Answer: >

Choose <, > or = to make this true: 2 + 4 ○ 8

  1. Work out the left side: 2 + 4 = 6.
  2. 6 is less than 8.
  3. 2 + 4 < 8

Answer: <

Choose <, > or = to make this true: 15 − 13 ○ 3

  1. Work out the left side: 15 − 13 = 2.
  2. 2 is less than 3.
  3. 15 − 13 < 3

Answer: <

Practise this free in Maths Legend →