The symbols >, <, and = help us compare numbers quickly and clearly. They tell us whether one value is greater than, less than, or the same as another value. This matters because comparing numbers is used in ordering, measuring, shopping, graphing, and solving equations.
A simple comparison can show which quantity is larger, smaller, or equal.
Key Facts
- > means greater than, as in 8 > 3.
- < means less than, as in 4 < 9.
- = means equal to, as in 6 = 6.
- The open side of > or < always faces the larger number.
- On a number line, numbers farther to the right are greater.
- To order numbers from least to greatest, arrange them from smallest to largest.
Vocabulary
- Greater than
- Greater than means a number has a larger value than another number.
- Less than
- Less than means a number has a smaller value than another number.
- Equal to
- Equal to means two values are exactly the same.
- Comparison symbol
- A comparison symbol is a symbol such as >, <, or = that shows how two values relate.
- Number line
- A number line is a line with numbers in order that helps show size and position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pointing the symbol at the larger number is wrong because the open side should face the larger number, like 8 > 3.
- Reading 5 < 9 as 5 is greater than 9 is wrong because the symbol opens toward 9, so 5 is less than 9.
- Using = when numbers look similar is wrong because equal means the values must be exactly the same, such as 12 = 12.
- Ordering numbers by the first digit only is wrong because place value matters, so 45 is greater than 9 even though 9 is a larger single digit.
Practice Questions
- 1 Fill in the symbol >, <, or =: 14 ___ 19.
- 2 Order these numbers from least to greatest: 27, 18, 31, 9.
- 3 Explain why the alligator mouth in 6 < 10 opens toward 10.