In Mathematics, the less-than symbol is a fundamental Mathematical symbol that describes the inequality between two values. There are different symbols in Maths, which are used to perform different arithmetic operations, hold some constant values, as well as 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 “Less than Symbol” in detail, with the help of many examples.

Table of Contents:

• Less than Sign
• Examples
• Different Equality and Inequality Symbols
• How to Remember Less than Symbol?
• Word Problem on Less than Sign
• FAQs

What is Less than Symbol?

The Less-than symbol is to compare two values in which the first number is less than the second number, such as in ascending order. The less than symbol is an approximation of the opening angle bracket. The symbol used to represent the less than inequality is “< “. 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

• 2 < 5: 2 is less than 5
• 0.8 < 1.2: 0.8 is less than 1.2
• -0.6 < -0. 1: -0.6 is less than -0.1

Maths Signs

Below is a list of all the Math Signs along with less than a symbol:

How to Remember the Less than Sign?

The best way to remember the less-than symbol is the “Alligator Method“. While comparing two values, 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 greater than a symbol. The alligator 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 by

• 6 < 8

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

There are some other terminologies used alternatively with less than such as:

• 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: Arjun’s April profit of Rs.150 was at least Rs.11 less than his March month profit. Determine Arjun’s March month profit?

Solution:

The given statement is “April profit of Rs.150 was at least Rs.11 less than his March month profit”

Let “P” be 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, the March month profit of Arjun’s was almost Rs.161.

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