Which expression is greater?

The idea

Just as numbers are compared, expressions are compared based on their values and the sign '=', '>' or '<' is written accordingly.

Two expressions

Look at 13 − 2 and 4 × 3. The number 13 is big, and 4 is small.

Which expression is greater?

• 13 − 2
• 4 × 3
• They are equal

Find values, then compare

Tap each expression to find its value. Then choose the sign that fits: <, = or >.

Compare the values

We never compare the *look* of expressions. We compare their values, just as we compare numbers.

As numbers are compared, expressions are compared by their values, and the sign =, > or < is written to match.

• Values | Comparison
• 12 and 8 | 10 + 2 > 7 + 1
• 11 and 12 | 13 − 2 < 4 × 3
• 5 and 5 | 20 ÷ 4 = 2 + 3

Notes

Expressions are compared by their values, and the sign =, > or < is written accordingly.

Check yourself

Which comparison is correct?

Which is greater, 6 × 4 or 30 − 5? Write the value of the greater one.

Answer: 25

6 × 4 = 24 and 30 − 5 = 25. So 6 × 4 < 30 − 5, and the greater value is 25.

Which comparison is true?

• 9 + 6 < 20 − 5. 9 + 6 = 15 and 20 − 5 = 15. 15 is not less than 15.
• 9 + 6 = 20 − 5 — correct. Yes! Both have the value 15.
• 9 + 6 > 20 − 5. 9 + 6 = 15 and 20 − 5 = 15. 15 is not greater than 15.
• 18 ÷ 3 > 2 × 4. 18 ÷ 3 = 6 and 2 × 4 = 8. 6 is not greater than 8.
• 14 − 6 > 3 × 2 — correct. Yes! 14 − 6 = 8 and 3 × 2 = 6, and 8 > 6.
• 7 + 5 < 3 × 4. 7 + 5 = 12 and 3 × 4 = 12. They are equal, so < is wrong.