Greater Than and Less Than Symbols

In Mathematics, Greater than and less than symbols are used to compare any two numbers. When a number is bigger than or smaller than the other number, greater than or less than symbols are used. 

• The greater than symbol (>) is used if the first number is greater than the second number. 
• The less than symbol (<) is used if the first number is less than the second number. Mathematics is a language with its own rules and formulas. 
• The usage of the symbols are unique compared to other fields and is universally accepted. 
• Symbols help to consume less time and space. It allows us to share the information through mathematical symbols. 

Read more: Quadrilateral

KeyTerms: Greater Than, Lesser Than, Mathematical symbols, Equations, Inequalities, Symbols

Greater Than and Less Than Symbols

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Greater than and less than symbols indicates the difference between two values. The symbol used to represent greater than is (>) and for less than is (<). 

Greater Than Sign

The greater than symbol is placed between two numbers where the first number is greater than the second number. For example, 25 > 3. Here 25 is greater than 3. 

When indicating inequality, the greater than symbol always points to the greater number and is made up of two strokes of equal length joined at an acute angle to the right. ( >).

Less Than Sign

The less than symbol is placed between two numbers where the first number is lesser than the second number. For example, 2 < 10. Here 2 is less than 10.

When referring to an inequality, the less than symbol (<) represents the smaller value where two strokes of equal length meet at a sharp angle on the left.

The greater than and less than symbol reduces the time complexity and makes it easier to understand. 

Equal To Sign

The “equal to” sign is used to represent the equality between two numbers or values. This symbol refers to both the greater than and smaller than symbols. We use the equal to symbol while formulating equations. The symbol is represented by "=."

For example, If a = 6 and b = 6, then a = b.

Read more: Angle Formula

Methods to Remember Greater Than Less Than Sign

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Two approaches are typically used to remember the greater than and less than symbols. They are: 

• Alligator Method
• L Method

Alligator Method

The alligator (or crocodile) is known to always seek a huge amount of fish to eat. So, the alligator's mouth constantly opens in the direction of the greatest quantity. Consider the scenario that the numbers on either side reflect the quantity of fish. Take the example 9 > 6

The alligator's mouth is pointing in the direction of 8. So, 9 is greater than 6, therefore concludes.

Hence, 6 is less than 9 in this case. The less than symbol can also be used to write it as 6 < 9. 

L Method

The less-than symbol "<" and the letter "L" share a similar appearance. The word’s first letter is easier to recall than the symbol. such as 4 < 10.

Read more: Scalars and Vectors

Summary - All the Symbols

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Here is a list of widely used mathematical symbols explained with examples.

All Symbols

Applications of Greater Than Less Than Symbols in Algebra

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It is common knowledge that mathematical issues do not always have an equal solution. It should occasionally include differences like a greater-than or less-than indication. Mathematical terms are a valid way to express the claim.

The number of students in a class is "x," for instance. If a class has more than 45 students and then an additional 5 students enroll, there are suddenly more than 50 students in the class. Mathematically, this proposition is stated as x + 5 > 45.

Similar to solving equations, solving inequalities is a common task in mathematics. Always focus on the direction of inequalities when solving inequality problems. Some of the methods have no effect on the problem's inequality direction. And these are

• Divide or multiply both sides of the inequality by the same positive value.
• On both sides of the inequality expression, add or subtract the same number

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Greater Than and Less Than Symbols Examples

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Some of the examples of greater than symbols are as follows:

• 5 > 2 : 5 is greater than 2
• 2⁴ > 2³ : 2⁴ can be written as 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16 and 2³ can be written as 2 × 2 × 2 =8. So 16 > 8 .Therefore 2⁴ is greater than 2³
• 12/2 > 9/3: 12/6 equals to 6 and 9/3 equals to 2. So that, 6 > 3 which implies that 12/6 is greater than 9/3.
• 0.1 > 0.01: In a number system, which consists of decimal numbers where the value 0.1 is greater than 0.01. 
• 1 > -2: Here 1 is a positive integer and -2 is a negative integer. The positive integer is greater than the negative integer. So that 1 is greater than -2.
• -2 > -5: In case of the negative integers, in which the smallest number has a greater value than the largest number. So we conclude that -2 is greater than -5.

Some of the examples for less than symbol are as follows

• 5 < 8: Here 5 is less than 8. 
• 3² < 3³: Here 3² is written as 3 × 3 = 9 and 3³ is written as 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. So, 9 is less than 27. Thus, it is concluded that 3² is less than 3³.
• ½ < 4/2: For a fraction, ½ equals to 0.5 and 4/2 equals to 2. Therefore 0.5 is less than 2 or we can say ½ is less than 4/2.
• 0.002 < 0.1: The decimal value 0.002 is less than 0.1
• -3 < -1: In the given example of negative integers, where -1 has the greatest value. Hence, conclude that -3 is less than -1.

Things to remember

• Greater than (>) symbol is placed between the two numbers when the first number is greater than the second number.
• Less than (<) symbol is placed between the two numbers when the first number is lesser than the second number.
• Use of math symbols consumes less time and space. 
• Unique symbols allows an individual to share information with symbolism
• The equal sign (=) is used to show the equality between two numbers or values. 
• The two methods to remember the greater than and the less than, that includes Alligator’s method and L method.