Using Greater Than and Equal To Symbols

In maths, we need to be able to to put numbers in order.

This means we have to be able to say, for two numbers, which one is bigger and which one is smaller.

Instead of using words, we use symbols:

> represents 'greater than'

for example, 7 is greater than 5 would be written as 7 > 5

< represents 'less than'

for example, 6 is less than 10 would be written as 6 < 10

When we are writing these symbols, a handy tip to remember is that the bigger number always goes at the open end.

How do we tell which number is bigger?

If you can't say straightaway which number is bigger, the easiest way to decide is to use a number line, remembering that the numbers get bigger as you go to the right.

In this activity, you will practise adding in the correct symbol to compare two numbers. 

Some of these numbers may be negatives or decimals.