Comparing Prices

For Elementary Students

What Does "Comparing Prices" Mean?

Comparing prices means looking at two or more items to see which one costs less or which is a better deal.

Think about it like this: When you're shopping, you want to get the most for your money — comparing helps you choose wisely!

Which Costs More or Less?

The simplest comparison: Which number is bigger?

Example: A toy costs $8. Another toy costs $12. Which costs more?

$12 > $8, so the second toy costs more.

The first toy ($8) costs less.

Finding the Difference

How much more does one item cost than another?

Example: Pizza costs $10. Burger costs $7. How much more is the pizza?

$10 - $7 = $3

Answer: Pizza costs $3 more than the burger.

Comparing with Pictures

Sometimes it helps to draw the money!

Example: Which costs more: $5.25 or $5.50?

$5.25: [5 dollars] + [1 quarter]
$5.50: [5 dollars] + [2 quarters]

$5.50 has more quarters, so it costs more.

Better Deal

A better deal means you get more for less money!

Example: Store A sells 3 apples for $2. Store B sells 2 apples for $2. Which is a better deal?

Store A: 3 apples for $2 → more apples for the same price!

Answer: Store A is the better deal.

Saving Money

When you pick the cheaper option, you save money!

Example: You need a pencil. Store A sells it for $1. Store B sells it for 75¢. How much do you save by choosing Store B?

$1.00 - $0.75 = $0.25

Answer: You save 25¢ (a quarter!).

For Junior High Students

Unit Price

The unit price is the cost per one item (or per one unit).

This helps you compare when packages have different amounts.

Formula: Unit Price = Total Price ÷ Number of Items

Example:

• Package A: 4 bottles for $6
• Package B: 6 bottles for $9

Find unit price:

• Package A: $6 ÷ 4 = $1.50 per bottle
• Package B: $9 ÷ 6 = $1.50 per bottle

Answer: Both have the same unit price! No better deal.

Example:

• Bag A: 5 candies for $2
• Bag B: 8 candies for $4

Unit price:

• Bag A: $2 ÷ 5 = $0.40 per candy
• Bag B: $4 ÷ 8 = $0.50 per candy

Answer: Bag A is cheaper per candy (better deal!).

Bigger Isn't Always Cheaper

Don't assume the larger package is always a better deal — check the unit price!

Example:

• Small box: 10 oz for $3 → $3 ÷ 10 = $0.30 per oz
• Large box: 20 oz for $7 → $7 ÷ 20 = $0.35 per oz

Answer: The small box is actually cheaper per ounce!

Sales and Discounts

Sale: An item is sold for less than the regular price.

Discount: The amount saved (or percentage off).

Example: A game normally costs $50. It's on sale for $35. How much do you save?

$50 - $35 = $15

Answer: You save $15.

Percentage saved: ($15 ÷ $50) × 100% = 30%

You save 30%!

Comparing with Coupons

Example:

• Store A: $20 item with a $5-off coupon
• Store B: Same item for $18 (no coupon)

Store A final price: $20 - $5 = $15 Store B final price: $18

Answer: Store A is cheaper ($15 vs $18).

Buy More, Pay Less?

Sometimes buying in bulk (larger quantities) is cheaper per item.

Example:

• Buy 1 candy bar: $1.00
• Buy 4 candy bars: $3.50

Unit price for 1: $1.00 per bar Unit price for 4: $3.50 ÷ 4 = $0.875 = $0.88 per bar

Answer: Buying 4 saves about 12¢ per bar!

Comparing Different Brands

Example:

• Brand X: 12 cookies for $4
• Brand Y: 18 cookies for $5

Unit price:

• Brand X: $4 ÷ 12 = $0.33 per cookie
• Brand Y: $5 ÷ 18 = $0.28 per cookie

Answer: Brand Y is cheaper per cookie (better deal!).

When Price Isn't Everything

Sometimes the cheapest option isn't the best choice!

Consider:

• Quality — Is one better made?
• Size — Do you need that much?
• Expiration — Will it go bad before you use it?
• Preferences — Do you like one brand more?

Smart shopping balances price and value!

Making a Comparison Table

Tables make comparisons clear and easy!

Real-Life Shopping Tips

Check unit prices on store shelves (many stores label them)

Compare brands — store brands are often cheaper

Use coupons wisely — only if you need the item!

Buy in bulk for things you use a lot

Wait for sales on expensive items

Avoid impulse buys — stick to your list!

Practice