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In the world of mathematics, symbols serve as powerful tools for representing various mathematical concepts and relationships. Among these symbols, the greater than symbol, denoted as “>”, is significant in expressing inequalities between two values.
The greater than symbol plays a pivotal role in comparing numerical values and determining which is larger. When presented with two numbers, the greater than symbol allows us to express that the first value is greater than the second or that one quantity surpasses the other. Consequently, it finds extensive use in ordering values in descending fashion, aiding in the arrangement from the largest number to the smallest.
Greater than Symbol Representation
The greater than symbol is denoted by “>”. It holds a significant place in expressing inequalities between two values. Its universal adoption in mathematics is attributed to its simple yet impactful design—a pair of equal-length strokes joining at an acute angle on the right, resembling an approximation of a closing angle bracket.
Greater than Symbol Example
5 > 3: Five is greater than three.
3.14 > 3.1: The number π (pi), approximately 3.14, is greater than 3.1.
(-5) > (-8): Negative five is greater than negative eight.
1/2 > 1/4: One-half is greater than one-fourth.
If x = 7, then x + 3 > 8: Seven plus three is greater than eight.
12 inches > 8 inches: A foot (12 inches) is greater than 8 inches.
How to Use Greater than Symbol?
The greater than symbol (>) is used to compare values. Visualize the alligator method: just remember that the mouth of the alligator opens in the direction of a large quantity of food so that he can eat more. Similarly, the alligator’s mouth, i.e., greater than symbol, opens to the left, representing the larger value.
Greater than And Less than Symbol
In mathematical comparisons, the alligator’s mouth points toward the larger value. For instance, 8 > 6 represents 8 is greater than 6.
Conversely, the less-than sign, 6 < 8, conveys the same meaning. It states that 6 is smaller than the number 8.
Greater Than or Equal to Sign
In mathematics, the greater than or equal to symbol (≥) is used to represent that one value is greater than or equal to another value. It indicates that the result of an expression or equation for a variable is either greater than or equal to the given value.
For instance, the inequality x ≥ -3 means that the variable x can take on any value that is greater than or equal to -3. This implies that x can be -3, or any number greater than -3.
Greater than Symbol Word Problems
Example. 1: Solve the following inequalities and write the appropriate signs.
- 12 ____ 8
- 30 – 5 ____ 25
- 3 × 6 ____ 20
- 15 + 9 ____ 28
- 5 ____ 5
Solution:
- 12 > 8 (12 is greater than 8)
- 30 – 5 > 25 (25 is less than 30 – 5)
- 3 × 6 < 20 (20 is greater than 3 times 6)
- 15 + 9 < 28 (15 + 9 is less than 28)
- 5 ≥ 5 (5 is equal to 5)
Example. 2: Determine whether the given statements are true or false.
- 9 + 7 ____ 16
- 6 × 3 ____ 18
- 14 – 8 ____ 6
- 50 ____ 60 – 10
Solution:
- True – 9 + 7 is equal to 16
- True – 6 times 3 is equal to 18
- False – 14 – 8 is equal to 6
- True – 50 is less than 60 – 10
Example. 3: Complete the following sentences using the appropriate inequality signs.
- 25 ____ 30 (25 is _____ 30)
- 8 + 6 ____ 16 (8 + 6 is _____ 16)
- 5 × 4 ____ 25 (5 times 4 is _____ 25)
- 10 – 3 ____ 8 (10 – 3 is _____ 8)
Solution:
- 25 < 30 (25 is less than 30)
- 8 + 6 < 16 (8 + 6 is less than 16)
- 5 × 4 < 25 (5 times 4 is less than 25)
- 10 – 3 < 8 (10 – 3 is less than 8)
FAQ Greater than Symbol
What does the greater than symbol represent?
The greater than symbol (>) is used to compare two values, indicating that one value is greater than the other. For example, 10 > 9 means 10 is greater than 9.
What does the less than symbol signify?
The less than symbol (<) is employed to compare two quantities, signifying that one value is smaller than the other. For instance, 1 < 7 denotes that 1 is less than 7.
What is the meaning of the smaller than symbol?
The smaller than symbol refers to the less than symbol (<), representing that one value is smaller than another. For example, 8 is smaller than 10, written as 8 < 10.
Explain the greater than or equal to symbol.
The greater than or equal to symbol (≥) is used in linear inequalities when we are uncertain if one value is greater than or equal to another. For instance, 4x + 7 ≥ 6x + 3 signifies that 4x + 7 is greater than or equal to 6x + 3.
Which value is greater, 0.5, or 0.25?
0.5 is greater than 0.25. Symbolically represented as 0.5 > 0.25.
