Question 1
How does the first group compare with the second group?
Group 1
5 counters
Group 2
5 counters
Year 1
Use the language equal to, more than, less than (fewer), most and least
Compare groups of counters and choose the correct comparison word.
Lesson overview
Number - number and place value
We can compare groups by counting how many are in each one. If both groups have the same number, they are equal. A bigger group has more and a smaller group has fewer or less. When we look at three groups, the biggest has the most and the smallest has the least.
Worked example
Compare these two groups.
Group 1
4 counters
Group 2
6 counters
- Count the first group. It has 4 counters.
- Count the second group. It has 6 counters.
- 6 is more than 4.
- So the first group has fewer counters than the second group.
Answer: fewer
Try it
Count the counters first, then choose the best maths word.
Question 2
How does the first group compare with the second group?
Group 1
7 counters
Group 2
4 counters
Question 3
How does the first group compare with the second group?
Group 1
3 counters
Group 2
8 counters
Question 4
Which group has the most counters?
Group A
6 counters
Group B
9 counters
Group C
4 counters
Question 5
Which group has the least counters?
Group A
10 counters
Group B
7 counters
Group C
8 counters
Common mistakes
These reminders help with comparison words.
- Choosing more when the group is actually smaller.
- Forgetting to count both groups before comparing.
- Mixing up most and least when there are three groups.