Which sign makes the number sentence true?

🔑 Key Points

  • A number sentence is a math sentence with numbers and signs.
    👉 Example: 3 __ 5
  • We use special signs to make the sentence true (correct).

➕ Equal Sign (=)

  • The equal sign (=) means “is the same as”.
  • Both sides must be equal.
  • Example:
    👉 4 = 4 ✔️ (true)

🔼 Greater Than Sign (>)

  • The greater than sign (>) means “bigger than”.
  • The open mouth points to the bigger number.
  • Example:
    👉 7 > 5 ✔️ (true)

🔽 Less Than Sign (<)

  • The less than sign (<) means “smaller than”.
  • The open mouth still points to the bigger number.
  • Example:
    👉 2 < 6 ✔️ (true)

🧠 How to Choose the Correct Sign

Compare the two numbers.

Ask:

  • Are they equal? → use =
  • Is the first number bigger? → use >
  • Is the first number smaller? → use <

✏️ Simple Examples

  • 5 __ 5 → =
  • 8 __ 3 → >
  • 2 __ 7 → <

🎯 Teaching Tip

  • Use a crocodile story 🐊:
    “The crocodile always eats the bigger number!”

Learn with an example

👀Which sign is missing? 4 ? 3 = 1

  • +
  • –

Try both the plus sign and the minus sign.

First try the plus sign:

4 + 3 = 7

Now try the minus sign:

4 − 3 = 1

The minus sign gives the right answer.

👀Which sign is missing? 6 ? 2 = 8

  • +
  • –

Try both the plus sign and the minus sign.

First try the plus sign:

6 + 2 = 8

Now try the minus sign:

6 − 2 = 4

The plus sign gives the right answer.

👀Which sign is missing? 5 ? 1 =6

  • +
  • –

Try both the plus sign and the minus sign.

First try the plus sign:

5 + 1 = 6

Now try the minus sign:

5 − 1 = 4

The plus sign gives the right answer.

Let’s practice!