Comparing Numbers Within 10

When we count objects, we often want to know which group is bigger or smaller. Comparing numbers helps us figure out if a group has more, fewer, or the same amount of things as another group.

What Are "More", "Fewer", and "The Same"?

• More: A group has more when it has a larger number of objects.
• Fewer: A group has fewer (or less) when it has a smaller number of objects.
• The Same: Two groups have the same amount when their numbers are exactly equal.

How to Compare Groups

One of the best ways to compare two groups is by using one-to-one matching. Imagine you have $5$ apples and $3$ plates. If you draw a line from one apple to one plate, you will fill all $3$ plates and still have $2$ apples left over! Because there are apples left over, we know that the group of $5$ has more than the group of $3$.

Comparing Numbers Directly

Once you know how to count from $1$ to $10$, you can compare numbers just by looking at them. Numbers that come later when we count are greater (more). Numbers that come earlier are smaller (fewer).

When counting: $1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10$.

Since $7$ comes after $3$, we know that $7$ is greater than $3$.

Let's Practice!

Here are some examples of how to compare numbers within $10$:

1. Which group has more: $5$ cats or $3$ dogs?

• Think about counting: $3$ comes before $5$. So, $5$ is the bigger number.
• Answer: The $5$ cats are the group with more.

2. Are there enough hats for $4$ children if there are $6$ hats?

• Let's match them up! If we give $1$ hat to each of the $4$ children, we use $4$ hats. We started with $6$ hats. Because $6$ is greater than $4$, we have extra hats left over.
• Answer: Yes, there are enough hats!

3. Which is the greater number: $3$ or $7$?

• Remember our counting order. $7$ comes after $3$.
• Answer: $7$ is the greater number.