Examples of Correct Symbol Usage

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 26 views

In mathematics, when comparing two values, we often need to determine the correct symbol to use between them. The two symbols commonly used for this purpose are less than (<) and greater than (>).

The Correct Symbol: Less Than (<) or Greater Than (>)

The less than symbol (<) is used to indicate that a value is smaller than another value. On the other hand, the greater than symbol (>) is used to indicate that a value is larger than another value.

Examples of Correct Symbol Usage

Let's consider the following pairs of values and determine the correct symbol to use between them:

a) -9 $$\qquad$$ -4

To determine the correct symbol, we need to compare the two values. Since -9 is smaller than -4, we use the less than symbol (<) between them.

-9 < -4

b) 0 $$\qquad$$ -10

In this case, we need to compare the two values. Since 0 is greater than -10, we use the greater than symbol (>) between them.

0 > -10

c) 7 $$\qquad$$ -48

To determine the correct symbol, we need to compare the two values. Since 7 is smaller than -48, we use the less than symbol (<) between them.

7 < -48

d) 13 $$\qquad$$ -13

In this case, we need to compare the two values. Since 13 is greater than -13, we use the greater than symbol (>) between them.

13 > -13

e) -15 $$\qquad$$ 1

To determine the correct symbol, we need to compare the two values. Since -15 is smaller than 1, we use the less than symbol (<) between them.

-15 < 1

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct symbol to use between pairs of values depends on whether the first value is smaller or larger than the second value. If the first value is smaller, we use the less than symbol (<), and if the first value is larger, we use the greater than symbol (>). By understanding the correct usage of these symbols, we can accurately compare values and solve mathematical problems.

Key Takeaways

The less than symbol (<) is used to indicate that a value is smaller than another value.
The greater than symbol (>) is used to indicate that a value is larger than another value.
To determine the correct symbol, we need to compare the two values and use the less than symbol (<) if the first value is smaller, and the greater than symbol (>) if the first value is larger.

Practice Problems

Try solving the following practice problems to reinforce your understanding of the correct symbol usage:

5 $$\qquad$$ 2
-8 $$\qquad$$ 0
9 $$\qquad$$ -9
-12 $$\qquad$$ 12
3 $$\qquad$$ -3

Answer Key

5 > 2
-8 < 0
9 > -9
-12 < 12
3 > -3

In this article, we will address some of the most common questions related to the correct symbol usage between pairs of values.

Q: What is the difference between the less than symbol (<) and the greater than symbol (>)?

A: The less than symbol (<) is used to indicate that a value is smaller than another value, while the greater than symbol (>) is used to indicate that a value is larger than another value.

Q: How do I determine which symbol to use between two values?

A: To determine which symbol to use, you need to compare the two values. If the first value is smaller than the second value, use the less than symbol (<). If the first value is larger than the second value, use the greater than symbol (>).

Q: What if the two values are equal? Do I use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>)?

A: If the two values are equal, you do not use either the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>). Instead, you use the equals sign (=) to indicate that the values are equal.

Q: Can I use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>) with negative numbers?

A: Yes, you can use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>) with negative numbers. The rules for comparing negative numbers are the same as for positive numbers.

Q: How do I compare fractions with the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>)?

A: To compare fractions, you need to compare the numerators and denominators separately. If the numerator of the first fraction is smaller than the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction is larger than the denominator of the second fraction, then the first fraction is smaller than the second fraction. You can use the less than symbol (<) to indicate this.

Q: Can I use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>) with decimals?

A: Yes, you can use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>) with decimals. The rules for comparing decimals are the same as for fractions.

Q: What if I have a mixed number (a whole number and a fraction) and I want to compare it to another mixed number?

A: To compare mixed numbers, you need to compare the whole numbers and fractions separately. If the whole number part of the first mixed number is smaller than the whole number part of the second mixed number, and the fraction part of the first mixed number is smaller than the fraction part of the second mixed number, then the first mixed number is smaller than the second mixed number. You can use the less than symbol (<) to indicate this.

Q: Can I use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>) with negative decimals?

A: Yes, you can use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>) with negative decimals. The rules for comparing negative decimals are the same as for positive decimals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct symbol usage between pairs of values is an essential concept in mathematics. By understanding the rules for comparing values, you can accurately use the less than symbol (<) and the greater than symbol (>) to solve mathematical problems.

Key Takeaways

The less than symbol (<) is used to indicate that a value is smaller than another value.
The greater than symbol (>) is used to indicate that a value is larger than another value.
To determine which symbol to use, compare the two values and use the less than symbol (<) if the first value is smaller, and the greater than symbol (>) if the first value is larger.
You can use the less than symbol (<) or the greater than symbol (>) with negative numbers, fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers.

Practice Problems

Try solving the following practice problems to reinforce your understanding of the correct symbol usage:

3 $$\qquad$$ 5
-2 $$\qquad$$ 0
1/2 $$\qquad$$ 1/4
0.5 $$\qquad$$ 0.3
2 1/2 $$\qquad$$ 3 1/4

Answer Key

3 < 5
-2 > 0
1/2 > 1/4
0.5 > 0.3
2 1/2 < 3 1/4

By practicing these problems, you can develop a deeper understanding of the correct symbol usage and improve your mathematical skills.