Greater Than and Less Than Symbols
Nov 30, 2022, 16:45 IST
A greater than and less than symbols compare any two numbers. When a number is greater than or less than another, the greater than less signs are used. The greater than sign (>) is used when the first number is greater than the second. If the first number is less than the second, then the less than sign (<) is used. Mathematics is that language where it has its own rules and formulas.
The symbols used in mathematics are unique to all disciplines and are universally accepted. Using mathematical symbols consumes less time and space. It allows an individual to share information through symbolism. In this article, we will learn the definition of greater than and less than symbols, their symbols, and examples for comparing two numbers using the less than and greater than signs.
Greater Than and Less Than Symbols Definition
Greater than and less than symbols represent an inequality between the two values. The symbol used to represent greater than is “ >” and for less than is “<.”
Greater than Symbol
The greater than symbol in mathematics is placed between the two values in which the first number is greater than the second. For example 11 > 6. Here 11 is greater than 6.
In inequality, the greater than sign is always pointed to the greater value and the symbol consists of two equal-length strokes connecting at an acute angle at the right ( >).
Greater than Symbol Examples
- 3 > 1: 3 is greater than 1
- 0.1 > 0.01: In a number system, which consists of decimal numbers where the value 0.1 is greater than 0.01
- 8/2 > 6/3: 8/2 equals to 4, and 6/3 equals to 2. So that, 4 > 2, which implies that 8/2 is greater than 6/3.
Less than Symbol
A less than symbol is placed between the two numbers where the first number is less than the second. For example, less than the inequality symbol is 4 < 8. It means that 4 is less than 8.
In inequality, the less than symbol always points to the small value where the two equal length strokes connect at an acute angle on the left (<).
The greater than less symbol reduces the time complexity and makes it easy for the reader to understand.
Less than Symbol Examples
- 4 < 6: Consider an integer, where 4 is less than 6
- 22 < 23: Here 22 is written as 2 × 2 = 4 and 23 is written as 2 × 2 × 2 = 8. So, 4 is less than 8. Also, we can say that 22 is less than 23.
- 0.002 < 0.1: The decimal value 0.002 is less than 0.1
Equal To Symbol
The ‘equal to’ symbol shows the equality between the two values or numbers. This equal to symbol contradicts both the greater than and less than symbol. Even in terms of equations, we usually use a similar symbol. It is represented as ‘=.’
Example: If a = 6 and b = 6, then a = b.
Comparison of Numbers
Whenever we compare numbers, we normally talk about the sizes of the numbers.
For example,
11 is greater than 8, 3 is less than 5
Instead of writing in words, we will use the “greater than” sign or the “more than” symbol and the “less than sign”
11>8 and 3<5
Trick to Remember Greater Than Less Than Sign
Generally, two methods are used to remember the greater than and less than symbols. They are
- The alligator method
- L method
Alligator method
We know that an alligator (or crocodile) always wants to eat a large amount of fish. Thus the alligator's mouth always opens toward the largest number of fish. Now assume that the numbers on both sides represent the number of fish. Let's take an example, 9 > 4
Here, the alligator's mouth is pointing to the 9. This means that the 9 is greater than the 4.
It means that 4 is less than 9. It is also written using the less than symbol as 5 < 8.
L Method
“L” letter looks similar to the less than sign “<. “ Now, you can remember the first letter of the word, less than the symbol. Example: 20 < 40
Symbols Used in Maths
| Symbol Description | Symbol Notation | Example |
| Greater than sign | > | 8 > 4 |
| Less than sign | < | 4< 8 |
| Equal to sign | = | 4 + 1 = 5 |
| Not equal to sign | ≠ | 5 + 2 ≠ 4 + 2 |
Applications of Greater Than and Less Than Symbols in Algebra
As we know, mathematics problems don't always end in equality. Sometimes it should have inequalities, such as a greater than or less than symbol. The statement can be represented by using mathematical expressions.
E.g., "y" is the number of students in the school. If there are more than 100 students in the school and 20 more students rejoined in your school, then there are more than 120 students in the school. This statement is expressed mathematically as y + 20 > 120.
In maths, solving inequalities is similar to solving equations. When working with inequality problems, always pay attention to the direction of the inequalities. Some tricks do not affect the direction of the inequalities in the problem. They are
- Multiply or divide inequalities into both sides by the same positive number
- Subtracting or Adding the same number to both sides of an inequality expression
Solved Examples
Q1. Ankit has 14 bananas, and Mansi has 20 bananas. Find out who has more bananas.
Ans. Given,
Ankit has 14 bananas.
Mansi has 20 bananas.
so, 20 is greater than 14, 20 >14
Therefore, Mansi has more bananas than Ankit.
Q2. Karan sleeps for 30 minutes, and Rohit sleeps for 45 minutes every day in the afternoon. Find out who sleeps for less time.
Ans. Given,
Karan sleeps for 30 minutes
Rohit sleeps for 45 minutes
We know that 30 minutes is less than 45 minutes, so we can write it as 30<45
Therefore, Karan sleeps for less time.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Q1. Write down the different inequality symbols.
Ans. The different inequality symbols are
- Greater than (>)
- Less than (<)
- Not equal to (≠)
- Greater than or equal to (≥)
- Less than or equal to (≤)
Q2. How can you say which number is greater?
Ans. The number farthest to the right is the greater number.
Q3. What does ≥ mean?
Ans. The symbol ≥ means greater than or equal to.
Q4. Is zero greater than any negative number?
Ans. Zero is larger than every negative integer.
Q5. Write greater than or equal to Symbol.
Ans. The symbol ≥ means greater than or equal to.
More About- Common Factors, Trillion
