Ctrl+k

Solve comparison problems

Comparison problems relate two quantities by asking how many more, how many fewer, or whether one amount is greater than, less than, or equal to another; the difference is the amount needed to add to the smaller quantity to reach the larger. These additive relationships can be represented with drawings, bar models, number lines, or equations with an unknown in any position, using numbers within 100 and distinguishing the compared quantities from their difference. Multiplicative comparisons and larger-number generalizations are outside this scope.

Detailed Explanation: Solve comparison problems

To solve a comparison problem:

  1. Find the larger amount and the smaller amount.
  2. Find the difference—the amount needed to add to the smaller amount to reach the larger amount.
  3. Write an equation and answer with words.

Example:
Mia has 34 stickers. Leo has 27 stickers. How many more stickers does Mia have than Leo?

Mia has the larger amount: (34)(34).
Leo has the smaller amount: (27)(27).

Write an equation with the unknown difference:

27+â–¡=3427+\square=34

Count on from (27)(27) to (34)(34):

27+3=3027+3=30 30+4=3430+4=34

So, (3+4=7)(3+4=7).

Therefore,

27+7=3427+7=34

Mia has 7 more stickers than Leo.

Learn by doing: Solve comparison problems

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Ten Groups - Subtract, Without Borrow, Less than 30


    ?