Remember that comparison problems show how one number is greater (larger) than or less (smaller) than another number. In this activity, you will create your own comparison problem.
First, find two things around your home that you can weigh. These can include anything from a book to an alarm clock, or even a pet! Have a parent or adult help you use a scale to weigh the objects.
On a piece of paper, list the two objects and write down the weight of each object in pounds.
Now use number families to figure out the difference in weights between the two objects. For instance, if object A is 10 pounds and object B is 4 pounds, then 10 is the greatest number and 4 is one of the lesser numbers. You would subtract: 10 minus 4 equals 6, or 10 - 4 = 6. Object A is 6 pounds heavier than object B.
Write this as the first sentence of your comparison problem. For example, "Object A is 6 pounds heavier than object B."
For the next sentence of your comparison problem, list the weight of one of your objects. For instance, "Object B is 4 pounds."
For the last sentence, ask the solver to figure out how much the other object weighs. For instance, "How much does object A weigh?"
Your comparison problem should look something like this: Object A is 6 pounds heavier than object B. Object B is 4 pounds. How much does object A weigh?
Give your problem to a friend or classmate and have him or her try to solve it.
Ready to move on to the next lesson?
Setting Up Addition Word Comparison Problems
