๐ Understanding Greater Than (>)
The 'greater than' symbol (>) shows that one number is larger than another. Think of it like an alligator's mouth that wants to eat the bigger number! The wide part of the symbol always faces the larger number.
- ๐ Alligator Analogy: Imagine the symbol as an alligator's open mouth. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger meal!
- ๐ข Example: $5 > 3$ means 5 is greater than 3. The alligator is eating the 5!
- ๐ Reading: We read $5 > 3$ as "5 is greater than 3."
๐ Understanding Less Than (<)
The 'less than' symbol (<) shows that one number is smaller than another. It's the opposite of the 'greater than' symbol. The pointy end always points to the smaller number.
- ๐ฏ Pointy End: The pointy end of the symbol always points toward the smaller number.
- ๐ข Example: $2 < 7$ means 2 is less than 7. The pointy end is at the 2!
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Reading: We read $2 < 7$ as "2 is less than 7."
๐งฎ The Comparison Table
Let's compare these symbols side-by-side:
| Feature |
Greater Than (>) |
Less Than (<) |
| Meaning |
Indicates one number is larger than another. |
Indicates one number is smaller than another. |
| Direction |
Wide part faces the larger number. |
Pointy end faces the smaller number. |
| Example |
$10 > 4$ |
$1 < 6$ |
| Alligator Analogy |
Alligator eats the bigger number. |
Alligator *isn't* interested in the smaller number. |
๐ก Key Takeaways
- ๐ง Greater Than (>): The bigger number is on the left. Example: $9 > 1$.
- ๐ง Less Than (<): The smaller number is on the left. Example: $4 < 8$.
- ๐งฎ Practice: Always read the expression from left to right to understand the relationship between the numbers.
- ๐ Remember: Imagine the alligator is super hungry and only wants the biggest snack!