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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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):
- The number 789,456 is _____ than 654,321. (a) greater (b) smaller (c) equal (d) none
- In the comparison 1,234,567 _____ 1,234,568. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- 987,654 is _____ than 876,543. (a) less (b) greater (c) equal (d) none
- The number 345,678 _____ 345,679. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
- Which symbol shows that 1,000,000 is equal to 1,000,000? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- In the comparison 567,890 _____ 567,891, the correct symbol is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- The number 234,567 _____ 345,678. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
- In the statement 1,234,567 _____ 1,234,566, the correct symbol is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- The number 890,123 _____ 900,000. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- Which symbol should be used for 2,000,000 and 2,000,000? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- The number 345,678 _____ 345,678 is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- 789,456 _____ 789,457. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- Which symbol is used to compare 567,890 and 456,789? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- The number 1,000,000 _____ 999,999. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
- In the comparison 345,678 _____ 345,679, the correct symbol is (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs with Answers):
- Q: How do you order numbers from largest to smallest?
A: Compare each number and arrange them so that the largest number comes first. - Q: What does the symbol “>” mean in a comparison?
A: It means “greater than.” - Q: How can you use comparison symbols in real life?
A: You can use them to compare prices, quantities, or measurements. - Q: How do you write that 456,789 is less than 567,890?
A: Write it as 456,789 < 567,890. - Q: What symbol shows that two numbers are equal?
A: The “=” symbol shows that two numbers are equal. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Q: What should you do if two numbers are equal?
A: Use the “=” symbol to show that the numbers are the same.
Presentation:
- Step 1: The teacher revises basic number comparisons from previous lessons.
- Step 2: The teacher introduces ordering and comparing whole numbers using symbols.
- 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
- Arrange these numbers from largest to smallest: 2,345,678; 1,234,567; 2,456,789.
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
- Compare the numbers and use the correct sign: 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
- Use the correct sign: 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
- Compare the number of books: 2,603,678 and 723,456
- Example 2:
- Compare the prices: 256,389 and 256,389
- Answer: 256,389 = 256,389
- Compare the prices: 256,389 and 256,389
- Practice Exercise:
- Compare and use the correct sign: 435,456 ___ 456,789
- Answer: 435,456 < 456,789
- Compare and use the correct sign: 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
- Rearrange the following numbers from smallest to largest: 3,456,789; 1,234,567; 2,345,678.
- Practice Exercise:
- Arrange these numbers from smallest to largest: 789,654; 123,456; 456,789.
- Answer: 123,456 < 456,789 < 789,654
- Arrange these numbers from smallest to largest: 789,654; 123,456; 456,789.
Practice Questions
- 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
- Which sign should be used? 1,000,000 ___ 999,999
- a) <
- b) >
- c) =
- 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
- Compare and choose the correct sign: 345,678 ___ 345,679
- a) <
- b) >
- c) =
- 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:
- What symbol would you use to compare 345,678 and 456,789? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- How do you show that 1,234,567 is greater than 1,234,566? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- What is the correct symbol for 890,123 and 900,000? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- How would you write that 345,678 is equal to 345,678? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- What symbol is used for 567,890 and 456,789? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- The number 2,000,000 _____ 1,999,999. (a) > (b) < (c) = (d) none
- Which symbol shows that 456,789 is less than 567,890? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- The number 1,000,000 _____ 999,999. (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- How do you compare 123,456 and 654,321? (a) < (b) > (c) = (d) none
- 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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