Numbers up to 9
Primary 1 · Mathematics
Numbers up to 9
Lesson 5 of 8
12 min
Let's begin
Keza and Gatete tip out their beans on the desk.
Keza has a wide heap. Gatete has a tall heap.
Both children say they have more.
Today you will find out who is right, and write it down.
Keza has 9 beans. Gatete has 4 beans.
Put the beans in two rows, one under the other.
Match one of Keza's beans to one of Gatete's beans.
Gatete runs out of beans first.
5 of Keza's beans have no partner.
So 9 is bigger than 4. And 4 is smaller than 9.
A wide heap is not always more. Always count.
The sign > says: is bigger than.
The sign < says: is smaller than.
The sign = says: is the same as.
8 > 6 is read: 8 is bigger than 6.
6 < 8 is read: 6 is smaller than 8.
7 = 7 is read: 7 is the same as 7.
Look at the sign. One side is open and wide.
The open side always faces the bigger number.
The sharp point faces the smaller number.
Careful! 8 < 6 is wrong. 8 is not smaller than 6.
Turn the sign around and write 8 > 6.
Here are four number cards: 9, 6, 8, 7.
Smallest first: 6, 7, 8, 9.
Biggest first: 9, 8, 7, 6.
Count up out loud to check your order.
6 comes before 7. 7 comes before 8. 8 comes before 9.
The later a number comes when you count, the bigger it is.
Tip
The open side eats the bigger heap
Think of an open mouth. It opens wide at the bigger number.
Say the whole sentence out loud: 8 is bigger than 6.
The open mouth eats the bigger number
Do each one, then tap Show answer to check.
Which is bigger, 7 or 9?
Answer: 9. You say 9 after 7 when you count.
Put the right sign between 8 and 5.
Answer: 8 > 5. The open side faces 8.
Put the right sign between 6 and 9.
Answer: 6 < 9. The open side faces 9.
Habimana has 7 goats. Mutesi has 7 goats. Which sign goes between them?
Answer: 7 = 7. The two numbers are the same.
Put these cards in order, smallest first: 8, 6, 9, 7.
Answer: 6, 7, 8, 9. That is the order you count them in.
What you learned today
Quick check
Which sign goes between 5 and 9?
