Ordering and Comparing Whole Numbers: Mastering Symbols Mathematics Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Mathematics Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Subject: Mathematics
Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 9 years
Topic: Ordering and Comparing Whole Numbers
Sub-topic: Using Symbols to Compare Numbers
Duration: 1 hour

Behavioural Objectives:

  • Order whole numbers up to 1,000,000 from largest to smallest.
  • Express inequalities using symbols: greater than ( > ), less than ( < ), and equal to ( = ).
  • Apply comparison skills to solve quantitative reasoning problems.

Keywords: Ordering, comparing, greater than, less than, equal to, symbols.

Set Induction: Begin with a discussion on why it’s important to compare numbers in real life, such as in shopping, budgeting, and measuring quantities.

Entry Behaviour: Pupils should be familiar with basic number values and comparisons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Number cards showing various numbers
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Worksheets with ordering and comparison exercises
  • Visual aids with number lines and comparison symbols

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge: Review the concept of comparing smaller numbers and introduce how to apply it to larger numbers.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Application of mathematical symbols

Learning Materials:

  • Number cards
  • Worksheets
  • Visual aids
  • Whiteboard and markers

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work

Instructional Materials:

  • Number charts
  • Comparison symbol flashcards
  • Worksheets
  • Whiteboard and markers

Content:

  1. Ordering Whole Numbers:
    • Explanation: Arrange numbers from largest to smallest using comparison symbols.
    • Example: Order 345,678, 123,456, and 567,890 from largest to smallest.
  2. Comparing Numbers with Symbols:
    • Explanation: Use symbols to show the relationship between numbers.
    • Example: 723,456 > 434,567; 256,389 = 256,389; 123,456 < 654,321.
  3. Expressing Inequalities:
    • Explanation: Write statements to show which number is greater, smaller, or if they are equal.
    • Example: 2,345,678 > 1,234,567; 456,789 < 987,654.
  4. Quantitative Reasoning:
    • Explanation: Apply comparison skills to solve real-life problems involving large numbers.
    • Example: Compare the number of items in two different stores to determine which has more.

Evaluation (Fill-in-the-Blank Questions):

  1. The number 789,456 is _____ than 654,321. (a) greater (b) smaller (c) equal (d) none
  2. In the comparison 1,234,567 _____ 1,234,568. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  3. 987,654 is _____ than 876,543. (a) less (b) greater (c) equal (d) none
  4. The number 345,678 _____ 345,679. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
  5. Which symbol shows that 1,000,000 is equal to 1,000,000? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  6. In the comparison 567,890 _____ 567,891, the correct symbol is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  7. The number 234,567 _____ 345,678. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
  8. In the statement 1,234,567 _____ 1,234,566, the correct symbol is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  9. The number 890,123 _____ 900,000. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  10. Which symbol should be used for 2,000,000 and 2,000,000? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  11. The number 345,678 _____ 345,678 is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  12. 789,456 _____ 789,457. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  13. Which symbol is used to compare 567,890 and 456,789? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  14. The number 1,000,000 _____ 999,999. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
  15. In the comparison 345,678 _____ 345,679, the correct symbol is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs with Answers):

  1. Q: How do you order numbers from largest to smallest?
    A: Compare each number and arrange them so that the largest number comes first.
  2. Q: What does the symbol “>” mean in a comparison?
    A: It means “greater than.”
  3. Q: How can you use comparison symbols in real life?
    A: You can use them to compare prices, quantities, or measurements.
  4. Q: How do you write that 456,789 is less than 567,890?
    A: Write it as 456,789 < 567,890.
  5. Q: What symbol shows that two numbers are equal?
    A: The “=” symbol shows that two numbers are equal.
  6. Q: Why is it important to compare large numbers?
    A: It helps in making decisions based on quantities, such as budgeting or choosing the best deal.
  7. Q: What is the correct symbol for comparing 1,000,000 and 999,999?
    A: Use “>” to show that 1,000,000 is greater than 999,999.
  8. Q: How do you compare numbers with more than one digit?
    A: Start by comparing the digits from left to right, focusing on the largest place value.
  9. Q: Can you give an example of using comparison in everyday life?
    A: Comparing the number of apples in two baskets to decide which has more.
  10. Q: What should you do if two numbers are equal?
    A: Use the “=” symbol to show that the numbers are the same.

Presentation:

  1. Step 1: The teacher revises basic number comparisons from previous lessons.
  2. Step 2: The teacher introduces ordering and comparing whole numbers using symbols.
  3. Step 3: The teacher facilitates exercises, allowing pupils to practice ordering and comparing numbers and providing corrections as needed.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Demonstrate ordering and comparing whole numbers using symbols on the whiteboard.
  • Provide practice exercises for pupils to complete.
  • Discuss real-life applications of comparing numbers.

Order and Compare Whole Numbers

Grade 4


Topic: Ordering and Comparing Whole Numbers

1. Ordering Whole Numbers

  • Arranging Numbers from Largest to Smallest:
    • To order numbers, compare each digit from left to right.
    • Example: Arrange these numbers from largest to smallest: 1,000,000; 500,000; 250,000.
      • Answer: 1,000,000 > 500,000 > 250,000
  • Practice Exercise:
    • Arrange these numbers from largest to smallest: 2,345,678; 1,234,567; 2,456,789.
      • Answer: 2,456,789 > 2,345,678 > 1,234,567

2. Using Relation Signs

  • Greater Than (>):
    • Shows that one number is larger than another.
    • Example: 7,000,000 > 5,000,000
  • Less Than (<):
    • Shows that one number is smaller than another.
    • Example: 4,000,000 < 6,000,000
  • Equal To (=):
    • Shows that two numbers are the same.
    • Example: 8,000,000 = 8,000,000
  • Practice Exercise:
    • Compare the numbers and use the correct sign: 8,000,000 ___ 7,000,000
      • Answer: 8,000,000 > 7,000,000

3. Expressing Inequalities

  • Using Relation Signs to Compare:
    • Write the correct sign between the numbers to show their relationship.
    • Example: 1,234,567 ___ 1,234,567
      • Answer: 1,234,567 = 1,234,567
  • Practice Exercise:
    • Use the correct sign: 2,345,678 ___ 2,456,789
      • Answer: 2,345,678 < 2,456,789

4. Comparing Quantities in Real Life

  • Example 1:
    • Compare the number of books: 2,603,678 and 723,456
      • Answer: 2,603,678 > 723,456
  • Example 2:
    • Compare the prices: 256,389 and 256,389
      • Answer: 256,389 = 256,389
  • Practice Exercise:
    • Compare and use the correct sign: 435,456 ___ 456,789
      • Answer: 435,456 < 456,789

5. Rearranging Numbers in Quantitative Reasoning

  • Example Problem:
    • Rearrange the following numbers from smallest to largest: 3,456,789; 1,234,567; 2,345,678.
      • Answer: 1,234,567 < 2,345,678 < 3,456,789
  • Practice Exercise:
    • Arrange these numbers from smallest to largest: 789,654; 123,456; 456,789.
      • Answer: 123,456 < 456,789 < 789,654

Practice Questions

  1. Arrange these numbers from largest to smallest: 456,789; 789,654; 123,456.
    • a) 789,654 > 456,789 > 123,456
    • b) 123,456 > 456,789 > 789,654
    • c) 456,789 > 789,654 > 123,456
  2. Which sign should be used? 1,000,000 ___ 999,999
    • a) <
    • b) >
    • c) =
  3. Express the relationship between 7,000,000 and 6,500,000.
    • a) 7,000,000 < 6,500,000
    • b) 7,000,000 > 6,500,000
    • c) 7,000,000 = 6,500,000
  4. Compare and choose the correct sign: 345,678 ___ 345,679
    • a) <
    • b) >
    • c) =
  5. Rearrange the following from smallest to largest: 2,500,000; 1,500,000; 3,000,000.
    • a) 3,000,000 < 2,500,000 < 1,500,000
    • b) 1,500,000 < 2,500,000 < 3,000,000
    • c) 2,500,000 < 1,500,000 < 3,000,000

Learners’ Activities:

  • Practice ordering numbers from largest to smallest.
  • Use symbols to compare pairs of numbers.
  • Solve quantitative reasoning problems involving comparisons.

Assessment:

  • Observe pupils’ ability to use comparison symbols correctly.
  • Evaluate understanding through exercises and class discussions.

Evaluation Questions:

  1. What symbol would you use to compare 345,678 and 456,789? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  2. How do you show that 1,234,567 is greater than 1,234,566? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  3. What is the correct symbol for 890,123 and 900,000? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  4. How would you write that 345,678 is equal to 345,678? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  5. What symbol is used for 567,890 and 456,789? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  6. The number 2,000,000 _____ 1,999,999. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
  7. Which symbol shows that 456,789 is less than 567,890? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  8. The number 1,000,000 _____ 999,999. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  9. How do you compare 123,456 and 654,321? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
  10. What is the symbol used for 789,456 and 789,457? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none

Conclusion: The teacher reviews pupils’ work, provides feedback, and ensures understanding of ordering and comparing whole numbers using symbols.

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