Greatest and least – word problems – up to 100

Key notes :

🎈Understanding “Greatest” and “Least”:

• Greatest: The largest number in a set.
  • Example: In the set 23, 56, and 78, the greatest number is 78.
• Least: The smallest number in a set.
  • Example: In the set 23, 56, and 78, the least number is 23.

🧨Identifying Keywords in Word Problems:

• Look for Clues: Words like “most,” “least,” “fewest,” “greatest,” “smallest,” and “largest” indicate what to find.
  • Example: “Who has the most apples?” suggests finding the greatest number.

🎄Steps to Solve Word Problems:

• Read the Problem Carefully: Understand what is being asked.
• Identify the Numbers: Pick out the numbers mentioned in the problem.
• Determine the Question: Are you asked to find the greatest or the least number?
• Compare the Numbers: Use comparison techniques to find the greatest or least.
• Write the Answer: State the greatest or least number as required.

🎁Example Word Problems:

• Finding the Greatest:
  • “Tom has 23 candies, Sarah has 48 candies, and Ben has 36 candies. Who has the most candies?”
    • Solution: Compare 23, 48, and 36. The greatest number is 48, so Sarah has the most candies.
• Finding the Least:
  • “There are 58 apples, 34 oranges, and 72 bananas in a basket. Which fruit is there the least of?”
    • Solution: Compare 58, 34, and 72. The least number is 34, so there are the least oranges.

🎪Practice with Simple Sets:

• Small Number Sets: Start with sets of two or three numbers.
  • Example: “Which is the least: 22, 49, or 17?” (Answer: 17).
• Gradually Increase Difficulty: Move to larger sets or include more complex wording as students gain confidence.

Learn with an example

Let’s practice!🖊️