Less Than
A less than sign is used to describe the relationship between two values where one value is less than the other value. For example, if 1 < 3 is given, it means that 1 is less than 3. Let us learn how to compare numbers using less than symbol in this article.
| 1. | What is Less Than Sign? |
| 2. | Less Than Symbol |
| 3. | How to Use Less Than Sign? |
| 4. | Less Than Greater Than |
| 5. | FAQs on Less Than |
What is Less Than Sign?
A less than sign is defined as the math symbol used to compare numbers where one value is less than the other. It is an inequality symbol used to show the comparison between two or more quantities. For example, if we want to show the comparison between 2 and 3 we will say it as 2 is less than 3 or 3 is greater than 2. Hence it depicts the relationship between these two numbers. We can represent these numbers as 2 < 3.
Less Than Symbol
The less than symbol is '<'. It is an inequality symbol as it does not establish equality between two numbers or expressions. It only tells us that one value is smaller than the other value. For example, if x < 5 is given, it means the value of x is smaller than 5. Look at the less than sign given below.
The above symbol is used to show that one value is lesser than the other value. Let us try using it within an example. If the statement says "16 is smaller than 18" is true. Then, we can write it as 16 < 18 using the less-than sign. The wide-open side of the sign with its two points always faces the bigger number, whereas the pointed end faces the smaller number.
How to Use Less Than Sign?
To use the less than sign, we draw the wide-open side of the symbol towards the greater number and the pointed end towards the smaller number. Let's compare the two-digit numbers, 32 and 14. While comparing the two-digit numbers, we first compare the tens place digits. If the tens digits are the same, we will compare the digits at the ones place. Here, we can see that 1 is smaller than 3. Thus, we can say that 14 is less than 32. Mathematically, it can be written as 14 < 32 using the less-than sign. Given below are a few more examples showing the comparison between numbers using less than sign.
| Symbol | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Less than "<" |
a) 23 < 32 b) 52 < 78 c) 85 < 100 |
a) The number 23 is less than 32. b) The number 52 is less than 78. c) The number 85 is less than 100. |
In mathematics, the less than and the greater than symbols describe the inequality between two values. The symbol “< “ is used to represent less than inequality. Let us now learn about less than greater than symbols and inequalities.
Less Than Greater Than
The term 'less than' means one value is smaller than the other value. The synonyms for less than are 'lower than', 'below', 'fewer', and 'smaller than'. It is represented by the symbol "<". If we flip this symbol, we get the symbol for greater than. So, ">" is 'greater than symbol' in math. The term 'greater than' means one value is larger than the other value. It is just the opposite of less than inequality. The synonyms for greater than are 'larger than', 'bigger than', 'higher than', and 'above'. Thus, the less than greater than symbols are < and > respectively.
While drawing a less-than sign, the open side points towards the bigger number and the pointed-end points towards the smaller number. The same is the case with the greater than sign. The only difference is that while using a greater than sign, we write the larger number first followed by the sign and the smaller number. For example, 5 < 6, represents 5 is less than 6, and 6 > 5 represents 6 is greater than 5.
Important Notes:
- One of the easiest ways to remember the "greater than" and "less than" signs is to imagine them as hungry alligators that always eat the larger number. Hence, the wide-open side of the sign faces a larger number.
- Another way to memorize them is to observe that the sign "<" looks similar to the alphabet "L". In other words, "<" means "Less than."
☛ Related Articles
Given below is the list of topics that are closely connected to the less than. These topics will also give you a glimpse of how such concepts are covered in Cuemath.
FAQs on Less Than
What is Less Than in Math?
Less than, as the name suggests, means something is lesser than in comparison to some other quantity. It is represented by the symbol "<". For example, 2 < 4 means the number 2 is less than the number 4.
What is the Symbol for Less Than or Equal To?
The symbol of "less than or equal to" looks like " < ". The open side of the symbol should be in front of a bigger value. The underline in the symbol shows that the value could be equal to or less than the other number. For example, x < 7. Here, the value of x should either be equal to or less than 7.
How do you Explain Less Than or Equal To?
Less than or equal to is something either lesser than or equal to a given quantity. It can also be expressed as at least or minimum. For example, the basic salary of a person in a particular job should be $15 or less than $15 or we can say it should be less than or equal to $15.
What is the Difference Between Less Than and Greater Than?
The greater than means that some variable or number can have any value that is greater than the given limit, not less than that, or equal to that limit, whereas the less than states that the number or variable is less than the given limit. For example, 8 is greater than 5. We can represent this in two different ways, such as 8 > 5 and 5 is less than 8 (5 < 8).
What is the Difference Between Greater Than or Equal To and Less Than or Equal To?
The greater than or equal to tells that the value should be either more or equal to the minimum limit whereas the less than or equal to is just opposite of greater than and equal to. 'Less than or equal to' means the value should be equal or less than the maximum limit.
Is 4 Less Than 3?
No, we can't say 4 is less than 3. Because 4 is bigger than 3. Therefore the correct sentence will be 4 is greater than 3.
What is the Use of Less Than Sign?
The less-than sign is used to show that one value is lesser than the other value. For example, 75 is less than 85. This can be represented as 75 < 85.
Can Less Than be Represented on a Number Line?
Yes, less than can be represented on the number line. Representing numbers on a number line makes it easy to identify which numbers are greater or lesser. A number on the left is less than a number on the right. Hence, all the numbers which are on the left of 1 are less than 1.
What Number is Less Than a Negative Number?
On the number line, negative numbers are to the left of zero. The greatest negative integer is -1. There is no smallest negative integer.