kdolu The less than sign is a small but important symbol in math. You’ll see it often in school, especially when you start comparing numbers. It may look tiny, but it helps us understand which number is smaller.
In this guide, we’ll explore what the less than sign means, how to use it, and even how it connects to other symbols in math. We’ll keep things super simple, so even an 11-year-old can feel like a math pro!
What Does the Less Than Sign Mean?
The less than sign looks like this: <.
This symbol shows that the number on the left side is smaller than the number on the right side.
Here’s a quick example:
3 < 5
This means 3 is less than 5.
It’s like saying, “Hey, 3 is smaller than 5!”
How to Remember the Less Than Sign
Many kids (and even adults) get confused between < and >. So here’s an easy way to remember:
Think of it as a hungry alligator’s mouth!
The alligator always wants to eat the bigger number. So, the mouth opens towards the larger number.
Example:
2 < 8 → The alligator wants to eat 8, so the mouth opens that way.
Still unsure? Watch this fun explainer from Khan Academy to help you out.
When Do We Use the Less Than Sign?
We use the less than sign in math when we need to compare:
- Numbers
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Money
- Lengths
- Weights
Let’s look at a few examples using each one:
Comparing Numbers
6 < 10 — 6 is less than 10
Comparing Fractions
1/4 < 1/2 — One-fourth is less than one-half
Comparing Decimals
0.3 < 0.8 — 0.3 is smaller than 0.8
Comparing Money
$5 < $10 — Five dollars is less than ten dollars
Comparing Length
5 cm < 8 cm — Five centimeters is shorter than eight centimeters
Less Than Sign vs. Greater Than Sign
Let’s compare these two symbols:
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
< |
Less Than Sign | Smaller than another number | 4 < 9 |
> |
Greater Than Sign | Bigger than another number | 7 > 2 |
Here’s a fun sentence to remember them:
“The hungry mouth always eats the bigger number!”
Related Math Terms to Know
To understand the less than sign better, here are some simple terms you should know:
- Inequality
This is when two values are not equal. So, when we use <, >, ≤, or ≥, we are writing an inequality.
Example:
3 < 6 is an inequality.
- Equal Sign (=)
When both sides are the same, we use the equal sign.
Example:
4 = 4 means both numbers are equal.
- Greater Than Sign (>)
As we mentioned, this sign means the number on the left is bigger than the one on the right.
Example:
10 > 3
Using Less Than in Real Life
The less than sign isn’t just for math class! We use it in the real world too.
Grocery Shopping
If you have $5 and want to buy candy for $4, you check:
$4 < $5 → You can afford it!
Sports
In a race, if someone finishes in 9 seconds and another in 12 seconds:
9 < 12 → The person with 9 seconds was faster.
Weather
If today is 60°F and tomorrow is 70°F:
60 < 70 → Tomorrow will be warmer.
Fun Tip: Use Less Than Sign in Coding
Did you know the less than sign is also used in computer programming?
In many coding languages like HTML, Python, or JavaScript, the less than sign helps compare values or even write tags.
Example in Python:
if x < 10:
print(“x is less than 10”)
If you want to learn more about how < is used in programming, check out this intro to programming from W3Schools.
Common Mistakes With the Less Than Sign
Even though it’s easy, people often make small mistakes. Let’s go over a few:
- Reversing the Sign
Wrong: 8 < 4
Right: 8 > 4
- Confusing With the Letter “L”
Some kids think < is the letter “L,” but it’s just a math symbol.
- Using It With Words
Don’t write: five < ten in your sentence unless you’re doing math. Stick to numbers!
Different Ways to Say “Less Than”
When you see the <, you can also say:
- Smaller than
- Not as big as
- Lower than
- Fewer than
These words mean the same thing and help explain math in simple ways.
FAQs
What does the < mean?
The sign < means the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right.
How do you tell the difference between < and >?
Think of them as alligator mouths. The open mouth always faces the bigger number.
Can you use the in real life?
Yes! You use it when comparing prices, weather, age, and more.
Is the used in coding?
Yes, it is! It’s used to compare numbers and write conditions in programming.
What symbol means the opposite of less than?
The opposite symbol is the greater than sign: >.
What’s the difference between less than and less than or equal to?
- < means strictly smaller
- ≤ means smaller or equal to
Conclusion
Now you know that the less than sign is not scary at all! It’s just a tool that helps us compare numbers and values.
You learned how to read it, write it, and use it in real life. We also saw how it connects with other math symbols like >, =, and ≤.
So, the next time you see <, you’ll know exactly what it means. And remember — the alligator always eats the bigger number!
Want to practice more?
Try free math games on Cool Math 4 Kids or check out IXL for fun exercises using the less than sign!
Let’s make math fun — one symbol at a time!
