When you compare groups by counting, you are comparing numbers. You can read numerals, so let’s compare them.
Key idea
The number you say later when counting is greater. The one you say earlier is less.
Why it works
Each counting number is one more than the one before. So every step forward makes a bigger group, and later numbers mean more.
Worked example: Which is greater?
Which is greater, 8 or 5?
- Count: 5 comes before 8.
- 8 is greater than 5. 5 is less than 8.
Answer: 8
For grown-ups: Play a dice game: each person rolls, and the greater number wins the round. Use the words “greater than” and “less than.”