105 LearnersLast updated on July 15th, 2025
Less Than
In mathematics, if one number is smaller than another, we use the symbol “<” to describe their relationship. For example, two friends receive their scorecards, and one child scored 25 marks, which is less than another student’s score of 30. It can be represented as 25 < 30. In this topic, we will learn about the less than sign and its importance.
What is Less Than in Math?
We compare numbers to understand which is greater, smaller, or equal. In mathematics, the less than (<) symbol is used to show which number or quantity is smaller than the other. The “<” symbol explains that the value on the left side of the sign is smaller than the value on the right side.
For example, 4 < 5 means that 4 is less than 5. Since it compares two numbers or quantities, the less than symbol is known as a binary operator, because it compares two values. The other common comparison symbols are greater than (>) and equal to (=).
Let us examine each of them in greater detail.
Comparison Symbols – Less Than, Greater Than, and Equal to
In mathematics, we use three main symbols to compare numbers and quantities. By using these symbols, we can easily understand which one is smaller than, greater than, or equal to another.
| Features | Less than | Greater than | Equal to |
| Symbol | (<) | (>) | (=) |
| Meaning | The value on the left side is smaller than the value on the right. | The value on the left side is greater than the value on the right. | The values on both sides are equal. |
| Example | 3 < 6 | 9 > 7 | 3 = 3 |
How to Use the Less Than Sign?
Let’s learn how to use the less than sign by comparing two numbers: 34 and 18.
To begin, we have to identify the place values of the given numbers. When the given numbers have the same tens digit, then move on to the ones digit.
Identify which number is less than the other and use the symbol “<”. When placing the symbol, make sure the pointed end faces the smaller number and the wide-open side of the sign faces the larger number.
Here, we can compare the tens digit of the given two numbers: 34 and 18.
As we know, 1 is smaller than 3.
Hence, 18 is less than 34. It can be written as 18 < 34.
Tricks to Remember the Less Than Sign
When we use the less than sign, we need to keep in mind some tricks to apply it properly. The signs of less than and greater than look similar but have different meanings. Here are two tricks you should keep in mind when using the less than sign, which is also known as the L method and the smaller mouth method:
- L method:
This trick is based on the first letter of the word, “less,” and the letter L looks similar to the “<” sign. By remembering this trick, we can easily use the less than sign “<” correctly.
- Closed mouth method:
The pointed vertex of the sign “<” faces the small number, while the wide side faces the large number.
So, keep these tricks in mind when using the less than “<” sign to compare numbers and values correctly.
Real-life Applications of Less Than
We often compare numbers, values, measurements, and distances in our everyday life. Also, we use the less than symbol and concept to identify the lesser values among others. Here are some real-life applications of less than:
- When you go shopping, you need to compare the prices of different items with your estimated budget. It helps you choose and purchase affordable products from the store. For example, if an outfit costs $15, and you have $12, you can’t buy it because $12 < $15.
- While driving, you must compare your speed with the maximum speed limit set by the authorities. If you are driving at a speed of 45 km/h, and the speed limit is 50 km/h, then you can see that your driving speed is less than the speed limit, and you are following the traffic rules.
- By this “less than” concept, you can evaluate academic performance and identify areas of improvement. For example, if you scored 55 marks in a subject, and the cutoff is 60, this means you scored less than the pass mark and need to improve your academic performance.
- When you cook, it is important to add ingredients in the required amounts to ensure the food tastes good. Using too much or too little can affect the food. For example, if you add 1 teaspoon of salt to a recipe and the required amount of salt is 2 teaspoons, this means you used less than the required amount of salt.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them on Less Than
Students may get confused and make errors when they work with the less than symbol and the concept. Here are some common mistakes and their solutions to prevent such errors.
Mistake 1
Confusion Between “<” and “>” Signs
Remember that the less than is indicated by the sign “<”, while the greater than is represented by “>”. The value on the left side of the “<” is smaller than the value on the right side. Similarly, the value on the left side of the “>” is larger than the value on the right side.
For example, 8 < 10 shows that 8 is less than 10.
9 > 2 explains that 9 is greater than 2.
Mistake 2
Forgetting to Check Different Units
If the values are given in different units like meters, centimeters or kilometers, it is mandatory to convert all the units to a common unit for parity. It is difficult to compare one unit in meters and another in kilometers.
For example, if students conclude that 100 cm < 1 m, it is incorrect. The correct comparison is 100 cm = 1 m.
Mistake 3
Assuming the signs (<) and (≤) are the Same
Keep in mind that less than is represented by the symbol “<” and less than or equal to is expressed by “≤”. If students mistakenly assume both the signs are the same, they will get incorrect conclusions.
For instance, an athlete must finish the race in < 30 seconds to crack the record, which means he fails if he finishes the race in exactly 30 seconds.
However, if an athlete must finish the race ≤ 30 seconds to crack the record, it means he needs to complete it in 30 seconds or less than 30 seconds.
Mistake 4
Ignoring the Criteria of Negative Numbers
Be careful when comparing negative numbers, and remember the concept of absolute value. Negative numbers with a greater absolute value are numerically smaller.
For example, -10 is less than -5 (-10 < -5). The absolute value is the distance between the number and zero. Here, the absolute value of -10 is 10, and -5 is 5.
Mistake 5
Mistakenly Comparing Decimals and Fractions
When comparing decimal and fractional values, always remember to convert the decimals to fractions or use a number line.
For example, 0.6 < 0.55 is incorrect. The correct comparison is 0.55 < 0.6, which means 0.55 is less than 0.6.
Solved Examples of Less Than
Problem 1
How much less is 30 cm than 56.7 cm?
30 cm is 26.7 cm less than 56.7 cm
Explanation
Here, we have two numbers to compare. So, we need to find out how much less 30 cm is compared to 56.7 cm.
Since 30 cm is less than 56.7 cm,
We subtract the small value from the large value.
56.7 - 30 = 26.7
Hence, the answer is that 30 cm is 26.7 cm less than 56.7 cm.
Problem 2
Sam and Vincent have fruit baskets. Sam has 25 mangoes, while Vincent has 22 mangoes. Who has fewer mangoes?
Vincent has fewer mangoes than Sam.
Explanation
Sam has 25 mangoes.
Vincent has 22 mangoes.
To know who has fewer mangoes, we need to compare the number of mangoes both of them have.
Compared to Sam, who has 25 mangoes, Vincent has 22.
22 is less than 25.
It can be written as:
22 < 25.
Hence, Vincent has 22 mangoes, which is less than Sam’s 25 mangoes.
Problem 3
Mary read 45 pages of a book, while her brother read 50 pages. Who read fewer pages?
Mary read fewer pages than her brother.
Explanation
Mary read = 45 pages
Brother read = 50 pages
To find out who reads fewer pages, we compare both the numbers.
Since 45 is less than 50, Mary read fewer pages than her brother.
Problem 4
Tinto and Roy love candies. Tinto has 40 candies, while Roy has 35 candies. Who has fewer candies?
Roy has fewer candies.
Explanation
First, we can start listing the number of candies each of them has.
Tinto = 40 candies
Roy = 35 candies
Now, compare the two numbers:
35 < 40
Hence, Roy has fewer candies than Tinto because 35 is less than 40.
Problem 5
In CMS School, there are two sections: Fiction and Non-Fiction. The Fiction section has 150 books, and the Non-Fiction section has 85 books. Which section has fewer books?
The non-fiction section has fewer books
Explanation
To find out which section has fewer books, first identify how many books are in each section.
Fiction section = 150 books
Non-fiction section = 85 books
Now, we can compare the two numbers:
85 < 150
This shows that 85 is less than 150, so the non-fiction section has fewer books in CMS School.
FAQs on Less Than
1.Define “less than” in mathematics.
2.Differentiate “less than” and “greater than”.
3.Are negative numbers less than zero?
4.Are “less than” and “less than or equal to” the same?
5.Is “5 < 3” correct or not?
6.How can children in Vietnam use numbers in everyday life to understand Less Than?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Vietnam can practice Less Than with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Less Than play in helping children in Vietnam develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Vietnam create number-rich environments to improve Less Than skills?
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
