Greater Than and Less Than Worksheets for Students
FAQs on Greater Than and Less Than Worksheets for Students
1. What do the greater than (>) and less than (<) symbols mean in Maths?
The greater than symbol (>) is used when one number is larger than another, while the less than symbol (<) is used when one number is smaller than another. For example, in the expression "10 > 5", the symbol indicates that 10 has a greater value than 5. Similarly, "3 < 7" shows that 3 has a lesser value than 7.
2. What is an easy trick to remember the difference between the greater than and less than signs?
A simple and popular trick is to imagine the symbol as a hungry alligator's mouth. The alligator always wants to eat the bigger meal, so its mouth always opens towards the larger number. For instance, when comparing 9 and 4, the mouth opens towards 9, written as 9 > 4.
3. How do you compare two-digit numbers using the greater than and less than symbols?
To compare two-digit numbers, first, you should examine the digit in the tens place. The number with the larger digit in the tens place is the greater number. For example, in 62 and 49, 6 is greater than 4, so 62 > 49. If the tens digits are the same, you must then compare the digits in the ones place to determine which is greater.
4. What is the role of the 'equal to' (=) sign when comparing numbers?
The equal to sign (=) is essential as it signifies that two numbers or quantities have the exact same value. While 'greater than' (>) and 'less than' (<) show an inequality or difference, the 'equal to' sign confirms their equality, such as 8 = 8. It is a fundamental symbol of balance in mathematical equations.
5. Why is learning to compare numbers an important skill for young students?
Learning to compare numbers is a foundational maths skill that has many practical, real-world applications. It helps children to:
- Understand and quantify the world around them (e.g., who has more blocks).
- Make logical decisions (e.g., choosing the shorter queue).
- Arrange items sequentially (e.g., lining up from shortest to tallest).
- Build a strong base for more advanced mathematical concepts like ordering, number lines, and data interpretation.
6. How does understanding place value help in correctly comparing larger numbers?
Place value is the key to comparing numbers beyond a single digit. It dictates the value of a digit based on its position (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.). When comparing 72 and 27, understanding place value tells us that the '7' in 72 represents 70, while the '2' in 27 represents 20. This makes it clear that 72 is significantly greater, preventing the common mistake of just looking at the individual digits.
7. Can the greater than and less than symbols be used to show the order of a list of numbers?
Yes, these symbols are ideal for arranging a series of numbers. To show numbers in ascending order (from smallest to largest), you use a chain of less than symbols, like this: 4 < 15 < 32. To show numbers in descending order (from largest to smallest), you use the greater than symbol: 99 > 54 > 19. This demonstrates the relationship between all numbers in the set, not just two.






















