Numbers Ordering — Grade 1 Mathematics
Ordering numbers means putting them in the right sequence — either from smallest to largest or from largest to smallest. Being able to order numbers helps us compare quantities in everyday life, like who scored more points in a game or which bag is heavier.
Comparing Numbers
> means greater than — the bigger number comes first.
< means less than — the smaller number comes first.
= means equal to — both numbers are the same.
Memory trick: The open mouth of the crocodile always faces the bigger number — he wants to eat the most!
7 > 4 (7 is greater than 4) | 3 < 9 (3 is less than 9) | 6 = 6
Ascending and Descending Order
Descending order = largest to smallest (going DOWN like a slide 📉)
Worked Examples
Arrange 14, 7, 20, 3, 11 in ascending order (smallest to largest).
Arrange 5, 18, 1, 12, 9 in descending order (largest to smallest).
Four children scored these points in a quiz: Aisha: 15, Ben: 9, Carla: 18, Dan: 12. Who came first, second, third, and fourth?
| Position | Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st 🥇 | Carla | 18 |
| 2nd 🥈 | Aisha | 15 |
| 3rd 🥉 | Dan | 12 |
| 4th | Ben | 9 |
Practice Questions
1. Write >, <, or = : 8 ___ 13
2. Arrange in ascending order: 17, 4, 11, 2, 19
3. Arrange in descending order: 6, 20, 14, 1, 9
4. Which is the largest number: 16, 7, 19, 5?
5. Write the missing number in this ascending sequence: 3, 7, ___, 15, 19
Key Points to Remember
- Ascending = smallest to largest (going up).
- Descending = largest to smallest (going down).
- Use >, <, and = to compare any two numbers.
- The number line is a great tool — numbers increase to the right.
- The "crocodile mouth" trick: the open side always faces the bigger number.