Compare Lengths and Masses

In this activity, you will compare and order lengths and masses with the use of signs   >, < and = 

 > means greater than.

<  means smaller than.

Remember that the biggest number is always at the big opening. Think of this as being like a crocodile who is always hungry - his open mouth always gobbles up the bigger number.

Lengths

10 millimetres (mm) = 1 centimetre (cm)

100 centimetres (cm) = 1 metre (m)

Masses

1,000 grams (g) = 1 kilogram (kg)

Example 1

Fill in the missing symbol:  >, < or = 

A stamp is 20 mm high

A sticker is 3 cm high.

height of stamp      height of sticker

Answer

The stamp is 20 mm high. 

The sticker is 30 mm high. 3 cm = 30 mm because 1 cm = 10 mm.

20 is less than 30.

20 mm < 30 mm.

height of stamp      height of sticker

Example 2

Fill in the missing symbol.

A packet of crisps has a mass of 200 g.

A bag of flour has a mass of 1 kg.

mass of flour      mass of crisps

Answer

The crisps have a mass of 200 g.

The flour has a mass of 1,000 g because 1 kg is 1,000 g.

1,000 is more than 200.

1,000 g > 200 g.

mass of flour      mass of crisps

Are you ready to have a go at some questions now?