Put one from each group side by side. Keep pairing them up until one group runs out.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
The one left over
The group with things left over has more. You did not count either group to find that out.
Why matching works
Every pair uses up one from each side. So whatever is left over is exactly the extra.
Or the same
If they run out together, with nothing left on either side, the groups are equal.
A longer row is not always more
Spread five counters far apart and squash six close together. The five look like more. Spreading them out only added space.
Trust the matching, not the look
Pair them up and the trick stops working. That is why matching is safer than glancing.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Two rows. Look at which one sticks out.
This group
That group
6 is greater than 4.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Mia Match Cups and Straws
Mia has six cups and four straws.
- Step 1
She puts one straw in one cup, then another.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Cups and Straws
Problem 1 of 1
Six cups and four straws. How many cups have no straw?
Which Has More
1 of 4
Which is more, 7 or 5?
2 of 4
Which is fewer, 3 or 8?
3 of 4
5 and 5. Are they the same?
4 of 4
8 cats, 5 dogs. How many more cats?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 1
Which is more, 9 or 6?
What You Learned
- Match one to one to compare.
- Whichever has things left over has more.
- If they run out together, they are equal.