Greater Than and Less Than Symbols

In mathematics, we often need to compare numbers to understand their relationships. Two of the most commonly used and fundamental symbols for comparing numbers are the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols. Here we will dive into what these symbols mean and how we use them with some fun examples and practice questions.

What Do Greater Than and Less Than Symbols Mean?

The greater than (>) symbol is used when one number is larger than another number. The less than (<) symbol is used when one number is smaller than another number.

The symbols can be thought of as an alligator's mouth, which always opens towards the larger number. This analogy can help students remember which way the symbols point

• Greater Than (>): The greater than symbol indicates that the number on the left is larger than the number on the right. For example, in the expression (5 > 3), it means that 5 is greater than 3.

• Less Than (<): Conversely, the less than symbol shows that the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right. For instance, in the expression (2 < 4), it indicates that 2 is less than 4.

Examples of Greater Than and Less Than:

1. Comparing Whole Numbers:

   • (10 > 7) (10 is greater than 7)

   • (3 < 8) (3 is less than 8)

2. Comparing Decimals:

   • (2.5 > 2.3) (2.5 is greater than 2.3)

   • (1.1 < 1.5) (1.1 is less than 1.5)

3. Comparing Variables:

   • If (x = 5) and (y = 3), then (x > y) (5 is greater than 3).

   • If (a = 2) and (b = 4), then (a < b) (2 is less than 4).

How to Remember the Symbols

A simple way to remember these symbols is to think of them as an open mouth of a hungry alligator. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number, so the open side of the symbol faces the larger number.

Learning Tips:

• Greater than (>): The open mouth faces the larger number.

• Less than (<): The open mouth faces the smaller number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reversing Symbols: A common mistake is confusing the symbols. Remember, the greater than symbol opens towards the larger number.

• Ignoring Negative Numbers: When comparing negative numbers, remember that a larger negative number is actually smaller. For example, (-2 < -1).

Visual Examples

Imagine you have a bowl of apples:

• If you have 7 apples and your friend has 4 apples, you can say 7 > 4 (you have more apples).

• If you have 3 apples and your friend has 5 apples, you can say 3 < 5 (you have fewer apples).

Practice Greater Than and Less Than Questions

Let's practice using these symbols with some simple questions. Try to fill in the correct symbol (> or <):

1. 9 ___ 6   

2. 2 ___ 8

3. 10 ___ 15

4. 4 ___ 4 (Trick question: You can use the equals sign = here)

Answers:

1. 9 > 6

2. 2 < 8

3. 10 < 15

4. 4 = 4

Fun Fact: Using Symbols in Real Life

You can use these symbols in real life to compare things like:  
Heights: "My brother is taller than me" (6 feet > 5 feet)

Ages: "I am younger than my sister" (10 years < 12 years)

Scores: "Our team scored more points" (30 points > 25 points)

Conclusion

Understanding and using greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols is a fundamental skill in math that helps us compare numbers and quantities. By practicing with examples and questions, you can easily master these symbols and apply them in your everyday life.

Additional Practice

Try comparing these numbers on your own:

Fill in the blanks with the correct symbol (> or <):

1. 12 ___ 7

2. 5 ___ 9

3. 15 ___ 10

4. 3 ___ 3

True or False:

1. (8 > 12) (True/False)

2. (-1 < -4) (True/False)

Encouragement:

Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep using these symbols in different situations to become confident in comparing numbers.

This guide provides clear explanations, examples, and practice questions to help primary school students understand and use the greater than and less than symbols effectively.