Compare and Order Lengths in cm and m

In this activity, we will compare and order lengths with the use of signs >, < and =   

> means greater than

<  means smaller than

= means equal which means the same

Remember that the biggest number is always at the big opening. Think of this as being like a crocodile who is always hungry - his open mouth always gobbles up the bigger number.

Measuring Length

When we measure how long something is we use a ruler, measuring tape, or a meter stick. 

Here is a ruler. A ruler measures things in centimetres and we write cm for short. 

This ruler is measuring how long this pencil is. This pencil is 8 cm long:

We would use a measuring tape, a tape measure or a meter stick to measure bigger things. 

We could measure things like the height of a child, the length of a table or the size of a bicycle. 

100 cm is the same length as one metre.

We write m to represent metre: 100 cm = 1 m 

We will be comparing lengths using these symbols and ordering lengths from smallest to largest. 

Keep your eye on the unit of measure - is it in cm or m? 

Let's have a look at an example. 

Example

Fill in the missing symbol: >, < or =

50 cm      1 m

Answer

Which length is bigger? 

Here, we have 50 centimetres and one metre.

Remember that 1 m is the same as 100 cm. 

So which is bigger? 100 cm or 50 cm?

100 cm is bigger. 

Remember, the crocodile eats the biggest number so it will eat the 1 m like this:

50 cm      1 m

This reads 50 centimetres is smaller than 1 metre

Are you ready to have a go at some questions now?