Less Than Sign - Math Steps, Examples & Questions

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Less than sign

Here you will learn about the less than sign including the symbol used to represent it, and how to compare numbers and expressions using the less than sign.

Students will first learn about the less than sign as part of the number and operations in base $10$ and number and operations – fractions in elementary school.

What is the less than sign?

The less than sign is a mathematical symbol used to compare numbers and expressions.

It is one of the symbols used for inequalities along with the greater than symbol, $>.$

When stacking identical blocks, the height of $1$ block is less than the height of $3$ blocks. The lines joining the stacks give the shape and direction of the inequality symbols.

The less than sign is,

The wide end of the symbol always faces the bigger number or expression – the symbol looks open towards the bigger number and ‘points’ at the smaller value like an arrow.

For example,

This is read as $‘4$ is less than $9’.$

The less than sign is used to compare;

Whole numbers	$12<15$	This is read as $‘12$ is less than $15’.$
Decimals	$1.3<2.5$	This is read as $‘1.3$ is less than $2.5’.$
Fractions	$\cfrac{1}{4}<\cfrac{1}{3}$	This is read as ‘one fourth is less than one third’.

What is the less than sign?

[FREE] Less Than Sign Worksheet (Grade 1 to 5)

Use this worksheet to check your 1st grade to 5th grade students’ understanding of the less than sign. 15 questions with answers to identify areas of strength and support!

DOWNLOAD FREE

[FREE] Less Than Sign Worksheet (Grade 1 to 5)

Use this worksheet to check your 1st grade to 5th grade students’ understanding of the less than sign. 15 questions with answers to identify areas of strength and support!

DOWNLOAD FREE

Common Core State Standards

How does this relate to 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade math?

Grade 1: Number and Operations in Base Ten (1.NBT.B.3)
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols $>, \, =,$ and $<.$

Grade 2: Number and Operations in Base Ten (2.NBT.A.4)
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using $>, \, =,$ and $<$ symbols to record the results of comparisons.

Grade 3: Number and Operations – Fractions (3.NF.A.3d)
Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols $>, \, =,$ or $<,$ and justify the conclusions, for example, by using a visual fraction model.

Grade 4: Number and Operations in Base Ten (4.NBT.A.2)
Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place, using $>, \, =,$ and $<$ symbols to record the results of comparisons.

Grade 4: Number and Operations – Fractions (4.NF.A.2)
Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, for example, by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as $\frac{1}{2}.$ Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols $> , \, =,$ or $<,$ and justify the conclusions, for example, by using a visual fraction model.

Grade 5: Number and Operations in Base Ten (5.NBT.3b)
Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using $>, \, =,$ and $<$ symbols to record the results of comparisons.

How to compare values using the less than sign

In order to compare values using the less than sign:

Write the given numbers into a place value chart.
Starting with the greatest place value, compare the digits of the number, until you find digits that are different.
Write the values with the correct symbol, or place the numbers on the correct sides of a given symbol.

Less than sign examples

Example 1: comparing two-digit numbers

Write the correct sign, $>$ or $<,$ in the box.

Write the given numbers into a place value chart.

2Starting with the greatest place value, compare the digits of the number, until you find digits that are different.

Looking at the place value chart, start comparing the greatest place value, the tens place.

$37$ has $3$ tens and $45$ has $4$ tens. $3$ tens is less than $4$ tens, therefore, $37$ is the smaller number.

3Write the values with the correct symbol, or place the numbers on the correct sides of a given symbol.

$37$ is less than $45.$

Place the wide end of the symbol towards the $45,$ with the point facing the smaller number, $37.$

Example 2: comparing three-digit numbers

Write the correct sign, $>$ or $<,$ in the box.

Write the given numbers into a place value chart.

Starting with the greatest place value, compare the digits of the number, until you find digits that are different.

Looking at the place value chart, start comparing the greatest place value.

The digits in the hundreds place and the tens place are the same, so move to the ones place to compare.

$347$ has $7$ ones and $345$ has $5$ ones. $5$ ones is less than $7$ ones, therefore, $345$ is the smaller number.

Write the values with the correct symbol, or place the numbers on the correct sides of a given symbol.

$345$ is less than $347.$

Place the wide end of the symbol towards $347,$ with the point facing the smaller number, $345.$

Example 3: comparing multi-digit numbers

Write the correct sign, $>$ or $<,$ in the box.

Write the given numbers into a place value chart.

Starting with the greatest place value, compare the digits of the number, until you find digits that are different.

You will start comparing the numbers in the ten thousands place.

The digits in the ten thousands place are the same, so move to the thousands place to compare.

The digits in the thousands place are the same, so move to the hundreds place to compare.

$17,092$ has $0$ hundred and $17,902$ has $9$ hundreds. $0$ hundred is less than $9$ hundreds, so $17,092$ is the smaller number.

Write the values with the correct symbol, or place the numbers on the correct sides of a given symbol.

$17,092$ is less than $17,902.$

Place the wide end of the symbol towards $17,902,$ with the point facing the smaller number, $17,092.$

Example 4: comparing decimals

Write the correct sign, $>$ or $<,$ in the box.

Write the given numbers into a place value chart.

Starting with the greatest place value, compare the digits of the number, until you find digits that are different.

Start comparing in the ones place.

The digits in the ones place are the same, so move to the tenths place.

$1.1$ has $1$ tenth and $1.08$ has $0$ tenths. $0$ tenths is less than $1$ tenth, so $1.08$ is the smaller number.

Write the values with the correct symbol, or place the numbers on the correct sides of a given symbol.

$1.08$ is less than $1.1.$

Place the wide end of the symbol towards $1.1$ with the point facing the smaller number, $1.08.$

How to compare fractions using the less than sign

In order to compare fractions using the less than sign:

See if the fractions have equal numerators or denominators.
Use equivalent fractions to find a common denominator if needed.
Compare the fractions and write the answer using the original fractions and correct comparison symbol.

Example 5: comparing fractions with same numerator

Which is smaller, $\, \cfrac{2}{6} \,$ or $\, \cfrac{2}{4} \, ?$ Write your answer using the less than sign.

See if the fractions have equal numerators or denominators.

The fractions $\, \cfrac{2}{6} \,$ and $\, \cfrac{2}{4} \,$ have equal numerators (top numbers).

Use equivalent fractions to find a common denominator if needed.

You will not need to make equivalent fractions, because you can compare with common numerators.

Compare the fractions and write the answer using the original fractions and correct comparison symbol.

Compare the fractions $\, \cfrac{2}{4} \,$ and $\, \cfrac{2}{6} \,$ to determine which is larger.

Because the fractions have the same numerator, use the denominator to determine which is larger. The smaller the denominator, the larger each piece of the whole will be. The larger the denominator, the smaller each part of the whole will be.

Sixths are smaller, so $2$ sixths will be smaller than $2$ fourths.

So $\, \cfrac{2}{6} \,$ is smaller than $\, \cfrac{2}{4} \, .$

You write the comparison as $\, \cfrac{2}{6} \, < \, \cfrac{2}{4} \, .$

Example 6: comparing fractions using common denominator

Which is smaller, $\, \cfrac{3}{5} \,$ or $\, \cfrac{5}{10} \, ?$ Write your answer using the less than sign.

See if the fractions have equal numerators or denominators.

The fractions do not have the same numerators (top numbers) or denominators (bottom numbers).

Use equivalent fractions to find a common denominator if needed.

To create a common denominator, double the fraction $\, \cfrac{3}{5} \,$ to make a common denominator of $10.$

$\cfrac{3}{5}=\cfrac{3 \, \times \, 2}{5 \, \times \, 2}=\cfrac{6}{10}$

Note: you can also create common denominators by multiplying each fraction by the opposite denominator:

$\cfrac{3}{5}=\cfrac{3 \, \times \, 10}{5 \, \times \, 10}=\cfrac{30}{50} \,$ and $\, \cfrac{5}{10}=\cfrac{5 \, \times \, 5}{10 \, \times \, 5}=\cfrac{25}{50} \, .$

Compare the fractions and write the answer using the original fractions and correct comparison symbol.

Compare the now equivalent fractions $\, \cfrac{6}{10} \,$ and $\, \cfrac{5}{10} \,$ to determine which is smaller.

$\cfrac{6}{10} \,$ has $6$ parts shaded in and $\, \cfrac{5}{10} \,$ has $5$ parts shaded in.

Since the parts are the same size, $\, \cfrac{5}{10} \,$ is smaller.

$\cfrac{5}{10} \,$ is smaller than $\, \cfrac{3}{5} \, .$

You write the comparison as $\, \cfrac{5}{10} \, < \, \cfrac{3}{5} \, .$

Example 7: comparing fractions using common denominator

Which is smaller, $\, \cfrac{2}{3} \,$ or $\, \cfrac{3}{5} \, ?$ Write your answer using the less than sign.

See if the fractions have equal numerators or denominators.

The fractions do not have the same numerators (top numbers) or denominators (bottom numbers).

Use equivalent fractions to find a common denominator if needed.

To create a common denominator, multiply each fraction by the opposite denominator.

$\cfrac{2}{3}=\cfrac{2 \, \times \, 5}{3 \, \times \, 5}=\cfrac{10}{15} \,$ and $\, \cfrac{3}{5}=\cfrac{3 \, \times \, 3}{5 \, \times \, 3}=\cfrac{9}{15} \, .$

Compare the fractions and write the answer using the original fractions and correct comparison symbol.

Compare the now equivalent fractions $\, \cfrac{10}{15} \,$ and $\, \cfrac{9}{15} \,$ to determine which is smaller.

$\cfrac{10}{15} \,$ has $10$ parts shaded in and $\, \cfrac{9}{15} \,$ has $9$ parts shaded in.

Since the parts are the same size, $\, \cfrac{9}{15} \,$ is smaller.

$\cfrac{3}{5} \,$ is smaller than $\, \cfrac{2}{3} \, .$

You write the comparison as $\, \cfrac{3}{5} \, < \, \cfrac{2}{3} \, .$

Teaching tips for less than sign

Younger primary school students may find it funny to draw an alligator’s mouth, but this often leads to students focusing only on the bigger number rather than the entire comparison. It is important to highlight the meaning of the math symbols each time they are used and to have students use them as intended.

When kids are starting to compare numbers, it’s crucial to give them the freedom to experiment hands-on. Manipulatives and use of a number line are an excellent approach to further the meaning for struggling students in higher grade levels. As students have a better knowledge of what it means to compare numbers, there will be time for worksheets as practice.

When comparing numbers, it’s critical for learners to understand what each symbol represents. When students are learning the meaning of these symbols, they can be displayed in the classroom on an anchor chart or in interactive notebooks.

Easy mistakes to make

Confusing the less than and greater than symbols
The biggest mistake is writing the symbols the wrong way round. Remember, the sign should point at the smallest number like an arrow.
For example, $15 \, > \, 8, \, ‘15$ is greater than $8’,$ or $8 \, < \, 15, \, ‘8$ is less than $15’.$

Trying to compare fractions without common numerator or denominator
When comparing fractions, the fractions should have either a common numerator or denominator. You may have to convert them into equivalent fractions with common denominators, so you can compare the numerators.

This less than sign topic guide is part of our series on inequalities. You may find it helpful to start with the main inequalities topic guide for a summary of what to expect or use the step-by-step guides below for further detail on individual topics. Other topic guides in this series include:

Practice less than sign questions

41 > 47

41 < 47

47 > 41

47 < 41

Write the numbers you are comparing into a place value chart.

US Less Than Sign practice question 1

Start with the largest place value chart, the tens, and compare the digits.

The digits in the tens place are the same, so move to the ones place to compare.

$41$ has $1$ one and $47$ has $7$ ones.

$1$ one is less than $7$ ones.

$41$ is less than $47.$

$41 < 47.$

729 < 792

792 > 729

729 > 792

792 < 729

Write the two numbers into a place value chart.

US Less Than Sign practice question 2

Start with the largest place value chart, the hundreds place, and compare the digits.

The digits in the hundreds place are the same, so move to the tens place to compare.

$729$ has $2$ tens and $792$ has $9$ tens.

$2$ tens is less than $9$ tens.

$729$ is less than $792.$

$729 < 792.$

42,187 < 42,087

42,187 > 42,087

42,087 > 42,187

42,087 < 42,187

Write the two numbers into a place value chart.

US Less Than Sign practice question 3

Start with the largest place value chart, the ten thousands place, and compare the digits.

The digits in the ten thousands place and thousands place are the same, so move to the hundreds place to compare.

$42,087$ has $0$ hundreds and $42,198$ has $1$ hundred.

$0$ hundreds is less than $1$ hundred.

$42,087$ is less than $42,187.$

$42,087 < 42,187.$

3.002 > 3.02

3.02 < 3.002

3.002 < 3.02

3.02 > 3.002

Write the two numbers into a place value chart.

US Less Than Sign practice question 4

Start with the largest place value chart, the ones place, and compare the digits.

The digits in the ones place and the tenths place are the same, so move to the hundredths place to compare.

$3.002$ has $0$ hundredths and $3.02$ has $2$ hundredths.

$0$ hundredths is less than $2$ hundredths.

$3.002$ is less than $3.02.$

$3.002 < 3.02.$

\cfrac{4}{11} \, > \, \cfrac{4}{9}

\cfrac{4}{11} \, < \, \cfrac{4}{9}

\cfrac{4}{9} \, > \, \cfrac{4}{11}

\cfrac{4}{9} \, < \, \cfrac{4}{11}

The fractions have equal numerators, so you do not need to make equivalent fractions.

US Less Than Sign practice question 5

Elevenths are smaller, so $4$ elevenths will be less than $4$ ninths.

Therefore, $\, \cfrac{4}{11} \,$ is smaller than $\, \cfrac{4}{9} \, .$

$\cfrac{4}{11} \, < \, \cfrac{4}{9} \, .$

\cfrac{5}{8} \, > \, \cfrac{2}{4}

\cfrac{2}{4} \, > \, \cfrac{5}{8}

\cfrac{5}{8} \, < \, \cfrac{2}{4}

\cfrac{2}{4} \, < \, \cfrac{5}{8}

The fractions do not have the same numerators (top numbers) or denominators (bottom numbers).

US Less Than Sign practice question 6 image 1

To create a common denominator, double the fraction $\, \cfrac{2}{4} \,$ to make the common denominator of $8.$

$\cfrac{2}{4}=\cfrac{2 \, \times \, 2}{4 \, \times \, 2}=\cfrac{4}{8}$

US Less Than Sign practice question 6 image 2

Compare the fractions with common denominators $\, \cfrac{4}{8} \,$ and $\, \cfrac{5}{8} \, .$

US Less Than Sign practice question 6 image 3

$\cfrac{4}{8} \,$ has $4$ parts shaded in and $\, \cfrac{5}{8} \,$ has 5 parts shaded in.

Since the parts are the same size, $\, \cfrac{4}{8} \,$ is smaller.

$\cfrac{2}{4} \,$ is smaller than $\, \cfrac{5}{8} \, .$

$\cfrac{2}{4} \, < \, \cfrac{5}{8} \, .$

Less than sign FAQs

What’s the difference between the greater than and less than sign?

When using the greater than sign, the first number will be the smallest number followed by the second number being the larger number. The two numbers will be separated by the less than sign, $<.$

What other inequality symbols are there besides the greater than sign?

When comparing numbers, you will also use the less than sign, $<,$ the equal sign, $=,$ the less than or equal to sign, $\leq$ and the greater than or equal to sign, $\geq .$

The next lessons are

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