Less Than

When comparing two numbers in mathematics, the symbol < (less than) is used to indicate that the first number is smaller than the second number. For example, 3 < 5 means "3 is less than 5".

Study Guide

1. Understanding the Symbol: The symbol < represents "less than". It is used to compare two numbers and determine which is smaller.
2. Using the Symbol: When comparing numbers, the smaller number is written on the left side of the < symbol, and the larger number is written on the right side. For example, 2 < 7 means "2 is less than 7".
3. Number Line: Understanding the concept of "less than" can be visualized using a number line. Numbers located to the left are smaller than numbers to the right. For example, on a number line, 3 is to the left of 5, so 3 < 5.
4. Practice Problems: Work on practice problems to reinforce understanding. For example:
   • 4 < 9
   • 1 < 6
   • 5 < 10
   • 2 < 2 (This statement is false because 2 is not less than 2, it is equal to 2.)

Understanding the concept of "less than" is important as it forms the basis for comparing and ordering numbers in mathematics.