Greater Than Symbol is a mathematical expression used to express the inequalities and comparisons between two numbers. It is denoted by the sign ‘>’ that says the number on the left-hand side is greater than the number on the right-hand side. For example, 3 > 2, simply means ” 3 is greater than 2″.
In this article, we will learn the meaning of greater than, greater than symbol, the trick to remember it, the difference between greater than and less than, real-life examples of greater than, inequalities, and comparisons.
What is Greater Than Symbol?
Greater than is a term used in mathematics to compare two numbers or quantities. When one number is greater than another, the first number is larger or more significant than the second one. The greater than symbol (>) represents this relationship in mathematical expressions.
Equality Symbols
Following is the list of equality symbols used in mathematics:
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<
| Indicates that the value on the left is smaller than the value on the right.
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5 < 8
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>
| Indicates that the value on the left is greater than the value on the right.
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10 > 7
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=
| Indicates that the values on both sides are equal
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3+4 = 7
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| Indicates that the values on both sides are not equal.
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6 ≠ 9
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| Indicates that the value on the left is less than or equal to the value on the right.
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2 ≤ 2
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| Indicates that the value on the left is greater than or equal to the value on the right.
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5 ≥ 3
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Read more about Equality Symbols.
Greater Than Symbol Examples
If the numbers are 5 and 3, you would say, “5 is greater than 3” and write it as 5 > 3. This symbol is essential for indicating inequalities and comparing different numerical values. Few more examples of greater than symbol include:
- a > b, represents a is greater than b.
- 100 > 10, represents 100 is greater than 10.
- 2 × 7 > 3 × 4, represents 2 × 7 is greater than 3 × 4.
Greater Than Sign
The sign of greater than is a symbol used in mathematics to show that one number is larger or higher than another. The symbol looks like this:
Greater Than Symbol : >
When you see this symbol between two numbers, the number on the left is greater than the number on the right. For example, if you have 7 > 4, it tells you that 7 is greater than 4. It’s like a way of saying one amount is more than another.
How to Remember the Greater Than Symbol?
A simple trick to remember the greater than symbol is using the blue whale method. When you compare two values, picture a whale’s mouth. The whale’s mouth opens toward the larger value, showing it wants to consume the bigger quantity. The image given below will help you recall the direction of the symbol and which number is greater.
Greater Than and Less Than Sign
In mathematics, the greater than and less than symbols are used to compare two numbers or quantities. These symbols help express relationships and inequalities between numerical values.
Greater Than Symbol
When a > b, it indicates that the value of ‘a’ is greater than the value of ‘b’. The sign of greater than is represented as >.
For Example: If you have 8 > 3, it means 8 is greater than 3.
Less Than Symbol
When a < b, it indicates that the value of ‘a’ is smaller than the value of ‘b’. The sign of less than is represented as <.
For Example: If you have 5 < 10, it means 5 is less than 10.
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Represents “greater than”
| Represents “less than”
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5 > 3 (read as “5 is greater than 3”)
| 3 < 5 (read as “3 is less than 5”)
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Points to the larger quantity or value
| Points to the smaller quantity or value
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Learn more about: Less than Symbol.
Strictly Greater Than
“Strictly greater than” is denoted by the symbol > and is a relational operator used in mathematics to express a comparison between two values, variables, or expressions.
When one quantity is strictly greater than another, it means that the first quantity will always be greater, but not equal to, the second quantity. In other words, the relationship is one-way and does not include equality.
For Example:
- 7>3 is read as “7 is strictly greater than 3.”
- x > y means “x is strictly greater than y” without any consideration for equality between x and y.
Greater Than or Equal to Sign
The greater than or equal to sign, represented as “≥”, is a mathematical symbol used to compare two values. It indicates that the first value is either greater than or equal to the second value. In other words, it signifies that the quantity on the left side is larger than or equal to the quantity on the right side.
This symbol is commonly used in mathematical equations and inequalities to express relationships between numerical values. For example, in the expression “a ≥ b”, means that ‘a’ is either greater than or equal to ‘b’. This sign is crucial for indicating not just superiority but also equality in mathematical comparisons.
Learn more about: Greater than or equal to Sign.
Greater Than vs Less Than vs Equal to
The comparison between greater than, less than, and equal to can be understood from the table given below.
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>
| Indicates the left value is larger than the right value.
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=
| Indicates the left value is exactly the same as the right value.
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<
| Indicates the left value is smaller than the right value.
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Greater Than Symbol in Algebra and Geometry
In algebra, the greater than symbol (>) indicates inequalities between expressions, representing a relationship without requiring exact equality. Whereas in geometry, it extends to comparing measurements in shapes or figures, that is essential for solving problems involving unknown values.
Comparing Numbers
In algebra and geometry, the greater than symbol (>) is used to compare numbers, indicating the larger value. For instance, in the expression 15 > 10, the symbol signifies that 15 exceeds 10. This aids in discerning the relative sizes of different numerical values.
Inequalities
In algebra, we use the greater than symbol to show inequalities between two expressions. It highlights the relationship without needing them to be exactly equal. For instance, in the inequality x > 5, it means the variable x stands for a value that is more than 5. In geometry, we apply this idea to compare measurements, angles, or lengths in different shapes and figures. Being skilled in understanding inequalities is important for solving problems that involve unknown values or measurements.
Greater Than, Not Greater Than, and Greater Than Equal to
The comparison between greater than, not greater than, and greater than equal to can be understood from the table given below.
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Represents a mathematical comparison where one value is larger than another.
| Represents a mathematical comparison where one value is smaller than another.
| Represents a mathematical comparison where one value is greater than or equal to another.
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5 > 3 (read as “5 is greater than 3”)
| 3 ≯ 5 (read as “3 is not greater than 5”)
| 4 ≥ 4 (read as “4 is greater than or equal to 4”).
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Represents “greater than”
| Represents “not greater than”
| Represents “greater than or equal to”
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Real-Life Applications of Greater Than Symbol
Some of the real life application of greater than symbol are:
- Price Comparison: The greater than symbol is used in everyday life to compare prices and determine the more expensive item when shopping.
- Time Management: In organizing tasks, the greater than symbol helps prioritize activities based on their significance or urgency.
- Budgeting: Financial planning involves comparing expenses using the greater than symbol to identify and prioritize essential spending.
- Sports Scores: Scores and rankings in sports are often assessed using the greater than symbol to determine the leading team or player.
- Decision Making: Whether in choosing between options or evaluating performances, the greater than symbol aids in decision-making by indicating the superior choice or outcome.
Also, Read
Greater Than Less Than Symbol
Greater Than Sign – Solved Examples
Example 1: Jill has 15 apples, and Sam has 12 apples. Who has more apples? Use the greater than sign to express the comparison.
Solution:
Jill has 15 apples, and Sam has 12 apples.
We can represent this using the greater than sign: 15>12.
Hence, Jill apples > Sam apples
Example 2: Compare the following pairs of numbers by placing a greater than sign (>):
a) 15, 27
b) 63, 42
c) 39, 18
- 27 > 15. Here, 27 is greater than 15, so the wide-open side of the sign will be in front of 27.
- 63 > 42. Here, 63 is greater than 42, so the wide-open side of the sign will be in front of 63.
- 39 > 18. Here, 39 is greater than 18, so the wide-open side of the sign will be in front of 39.
Therefore,
a) 27 is greater than 15.
b) 63 is greater than 42.
c) 39 is greater than 18.
Example 3: The side of a square field is 4m and a rectangular field has dimensions 7m by 4m. Which field has greater area?
Solution:
Area of the square field = 4 × 4
= 16 m2
Area of rectangular field = 7 × 4
= 28 m2
As 28 > 16
Hence, area of rectangular field > area of square field.
Greater Than Symbol – Practice Questions
Q1: Compare the following pairs of numbers using the greater than sign (>):
- 37 ___ 24
- 56 ___ 78
- 92 ___ 92
Q2: Mary has 15 apples, and John has 8 apples. Use the greater than sign to show who has more apples.
Q3: Arrange the following numbers in descending order using the greater than sign:
64, 29, 83, 42, 55
Q4: Evaluate whether the statements are true or false:
FAQs on Greater Than Symbol
1. What is Greater Than Symbol?
The greater than symbol, represented as “>”, is used in math to show that one number is larger or higher than another. For instance, in “a > b,” it means ‘a’ is greater than ‘b.’
2. What do you mean by Less Than Symbol?
The less than symbol, shown as “<“, is used in mathematics to indicate that one number is smaller or lower than another. For example, in “c < d”, it means ‘c’ is less than ‘d’.
3. Which is Greater 0.5 or 0.25?
In the comparison between 0.5 and 0.25, 0.5 is greater than 0.25, and it can be written as 0.5 > 0.25.
4. Which < or > is Greater than?
Out of these two symbols ‘>’ is represented as greater than symbol.
5. What is the Difference Between Greater Than Sign and Equal to Sign?
The greater than sign (>) indicates that one value is larger than another, while the equal to sign (=) is used to show that two values are exactly the same. For example, in “x > y”, ‘x’ is greater than ‘y’, and in “p = q”, ‘p’ is equal to ‘q’.
6. What is not Greater than Symbol?
The “not greater than” symbol is ≯ . It denotes that one value is not greater than another.
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