Shark Learning
Grade 4/Order of Operations

Order of Operations: Compare Expressions (<, >, =)

Compare two expressions to see how parentheses change the result. Students solve both sides and use Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To symbols.
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Order of Operations: Compare Expressions (<, >, =) preview

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Easy
1
10 questions
2
10 questions
Medium
1
10 questions
2
10 questions
Hard
1
10 questions
2
10 questions

Practice Questions

  1. (5 + 3) x 2 ? 5 + (3 x 2)
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    >

  2. (10 - 2) x 3 ? 10 - (2 x 3)
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    >

  3. 15 - (3 + 2) ? 15 - 3 - 2
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    =

  4. 2 x (4 + 3) ? 2 x 4 + 3
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    >

  5. 100 - (50 - 25) ? (100 - 50) - 25
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    >

Teacher Resources
Teaching Notes

This is great for proving WHY order of operations matters. Discuss the "Equal" cases (like 15-(3+2) vs 15-3-2) - why are they the same?

Vocabulary
Compare: Find how numbers are alike or different.
Greater than: Symbol > means 'more than'.
Less than: Symbol < means 'fewer than'.
Common Mistakes
  • Guessing based on which side "looks" bigger.
  • Calculating only one side.
  • Incorrect order of operations
  • Misinterpreting comparison symbols
  • Calculation errors
  • Not solving both sides fully
Differentiation
SupportHave them solve all Left sides first, then all Right sides.
ChallengeAsk them to change one number to make the inequality flip.
Discussion Questions
  • How do parentheses change an expression's value?
  • Why is the order of operations important?
  • Can two different expressions have the same value?
  • Where might you see expressions like these in real life?
Extension Activities
  • Create comparison puzzles.
  • Use different operations.
  • Compare word problems.
Parent Tip

Ask them to compare everyday objects by size or quantity.

Learning Path
Skill Cluster

Number Sense & Operations; Algebraic Thinking

Estimated Time

20 minutes

Skills Practiced
Expression comparison