Comparison of Numbers: Greater Than, Less Than, and Equal To
Comparison of numbers is a fundamental concept in mathematics where we determine the relationship between two numbers. The primary symbols used for comparison are:
- Greater than (>)
- Less than (<)
- Equal to (=)
Symbols and Their Meanings:
1. Greater Than (>):
- Indicates that the number on the left is larger than the number on the right.
- Example: 7 > 5 (7 is greater than 5).
2. Less Than (<):
- Indicates that the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right.
- Example: 3 < 8 (3 is less than 8).
3. Equal To (=):
- Indicates that the two numbers are the same.
- Example: 4 = 4 (4 is equal to 4).
Examples:
Greater Than (>)
1. 15 > 10: Fifteen is greater than ten.
2. 100 > 50: One hundred is greater than fifty.
3. 7.5 > 3.2: Seven point five is greater than three point two.
4. -2 > -5: Negative two is greater than negative five (closer to zero on the number line).
5. 0 > -1: Zero is greater than negative one.
Less Than (<)
1. 5 < 12: Five is less than twelve.
2. 45 < 100: Forty-five is less than one hundred.
3. 2.3 < 3.4: Two point three is less than three point four.
4. -10 < -2: Negative ten is less than negative two (further from zero on the number line).
5. 0 < 1: Zero is less than one.
Equal To (=)
1. 6 = 6: Six is equal to six.
2. 50 = 50: Fifty is equal to fifty.
3. 3.14 = 3.14: Three point one four is equal to three point one four.
4. -7 = -7: Negative seven is equal to negative seven.
5. 0 = 0: Zero is equal to zero.
Visual Representation:
Using a number line can help visually understand the concepts of greater than, less than, and equal to. Numbers to the right on a number line are greater than those to the left.
```
Number Line: -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Greater Than (>): 7 > 4
Less Than (<): -2 < 1
Equal To (=): 3 = 3
```
Summary
Understanding how to compare numbers using greater than, less than, and equal to is crucial in mathematics. These comparisons allow us to order numbers, assess quantities, and make calculations. Whether dealing with whole numbers, decimals, or negatives, the principles of comparison remain the same.
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