Compare Numbers
These questions show you two numbers and ask you to decide which is bigger, which is smaller, or if they are equal. A BIGGER number comes later when you count forward. A SMALLER number comes earlier. If both numbers are the same, they are EQUAL.
Worked examples
Which number is bigger?
Look at the two numbers: 8 and 3. Count from 0: you pass 3 first, then keep going to 8. Because 8 comes LATER, it is the BIGGER number. Answer: 8.
Answer: 8
Which number is bigger?
Look at the two numbers: 2 and 9. Count from 0: 2 comes very early, 9 comes much later. 9 is the BIGGER number. Answer: 9.
Answer: 9
Which number is smaller?
Look at the two numbers: 5 and 1. Count from 0: you reach 1 first, before 5. Because 1 comes EARLIER, it is the SMALLER number. Answer: 1.
Answer: 1
Which number is smaller?
Look at the two numbers: 7 and 4. 4 comes BEFORE 7 when you count up. So 4 is the SMALLER number. Answer: 4.
Answer: 4
Which number is bigger?
Look at the two numbers: 6 and 6. They are EXACTLY the same! Neither is bigger — they are EQUAL. When both numbers match, the answer is 'They are equal'.
Answer: They are equal
Tips
- •Bigger = comes LATER when you count. Smaller = comes EARLIER.
- •If both numbers look the same, they are EQUAL — choose 'They are equal'.
- •Think of a number line: numbers get bigger as you go right.
- •0 is the smallest. The bigger the number, the further along you count.