This lesson introduces students to the symbolic notation for greater than and less than. In the first activity, students are introduced to the and symbols. Students observe that the larger open space of the symbol faces the greater value.

It is important for students to relate each symbol to the language ”greater than” or “less than.” Avoid using any non-mathematical language or representations to supplement this lesson or future lessons where students interpret and use comparison symbols. In the second activity, students read comparison statements aloud to determine which statements are true and which are false. By reading statements aloud, students practice using the language represented by each symbol. Learning the meaning of the and symbols and how to evaluate statements involving these symbols, is the first step toward using them fluently and accurately (MP6).

Think about who volunteered to share their thinking with the class today. Are the same students always volunteering, while some students never offer to share? What can you do to help the class understand the value of hearing the ideas of every mathematician?