Application of Less than Symbol in Maths

The less than symbol is a fundamental symbol used in math to describe the inequality between two values. In mathematics, many symbols are used along with the less than symbol. There are many symbols used to perform different arithmetic operations and hold some constant values. Some of these symbols are also used to compare the quantities with the help of equality and inequality symbols. In this article, we are going to discuss one of the inequality symbols called the “less than symbol” in detail, with the help of many examples.

Table of content

Table Of Contents

• Less than Sign
• Math Signs
• Examples based on Less Than Sign
• Different Equality and Inequality Symbols
• How to Remember the Less Than Symbol?
• Word Problem on Less than Sign
• Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the less than symbol?

The less than symbol is used to compare two values when the first number is less than the second number, such as in ascending order. It looks similar to an opening angle bracket and is represented using the symbol “<”. The less than sign is a universally adopted math symbol of two equal-measure strokes that meet in the acute angle at the left.

Less than Symbol Example:

To show that 2 is less than 5, we use the ‘<’ greater than symbol as 2 < 5

To show 0.8 is less than 1.2, we use the ‘<’ greater than symbol as 0.8 < 1.2

Similarly, to show -0.6 is less than -0.1, we use the ‘<’ greater than symbol as 0.6 < -0.1 

Maths Signs

Below is a list of all the math signs along with the less than symbol:

 

How to Remember the Less Than Sign?

Visualization is an important way to help children memorize math concepts. Here are two visual ways that will help the child to understand and grasp the less than concept easily. 

Alligator Method

This is one of the best ways to remember the less-than symbol. By using the Alligator Method, kids quickly learn to compare two numbers. While comparing two values, just tell them to think of the alligator method. It is known that the alligator’s mouth always points to the largest value, the reason being it can eat as much as possible. The alligator’s mouth always opens to the right to represent the less than inequality.

We can also use the alligator method to use the greater than symbol. The alligator’s mouth points to the left to define the greater than symbol. Example: The representation of less than inequality between two numbers, say 6 and 8, is written as 6 < 8.

L Method

Another method to remember the less-than sign is the “L Method”. The L method is pretty easy to remember the less than symbol. “Less than” starts with the letter “L” and the symbol that represents the less-than sign (<) almost looks similar to the letter L.

A few other terms used alternatively for the less than symbol are

• Smaller than

• Lower than

• Fewer than

• Not greater than

• Below

Less than Symbol Word Problems

Before solving the less than sign inequality word problems, consider some of the strategies given below to solve the problem.

• Go through the complete problem

• Highlight the relevant and necessary keywords to resolve the problem

• Identify the variables

• Scribble down the equation

• Solve the problem

• Write the solution in comprehensive sentence format

• Explain the answer

Solved Example

Question: Jackie earned a profit of ₹150 in February, which was at least ₹11 less than his last month's profit. Determine the profit earned by Jackie in January.

Solution: As per the given statement, Jackie’s “February profit of ₹150 was at least ₹11 less than his January profit.”

Let’s consider “P” is the profit decrease from March to April

So, the inequality expression is –11+ P ≤ 150

Add 11 on both sides; the inequality expression becomes,

P ≤ 161

Therefore, Jackie's January profit was almost Rs.161.

Frequently Asked Questions on Less than Symbol

1. What is the use of the less than sign?

Answer: The less-than sign is one of the inequality signs, which is used to compare the numbers. If the first number is less than the second number, the less than sign is used. For example, 5 < 10. It means that the number 5 is less than the number 10.

2. What are the other terms used to describe less than?

Answer: The other terms used to describe less than are smaller than, lower than, below, fewer than, not greater than, and so on.

3. How to represent “10 is less than 21” symbolically?

Answer: “10 is less than 21” is symbolically represented as 10 < 21.

4. Name the 2 tricks used to remember the less than sign.

Answer: The less than sign can be remembered using

1. Alligator Method 

2. L Method

5. How to write 33 is not greater than 45?

Answer: The mathematical representation of 33 is not greater than 45 using the less than symbol is 33 < 45.