As an expert in the field of mathematics and logic, I am well-versed in the fundamentals of comparing numbers and understanding the relational operators used in mathematics. The symbols ">" and "<" are fundamental in expressing the relationship between two numbers. The symbol ">" means "greater than," while "<" means "less than."

To determine which number is less than the other, one must compare the two values. If you have two numbers, say 'a' and 'b', and you want to know if 'a' is less than 'b', you would use the "<" symbol. For example, if you are comparing the numbers 2 and 5, you would say "2 < 5", which means that 2 is less than 5.

The concept of "less than" is quite straightforward but has profound implications in various mathematical operations and algorithms. It is used in inequalities, sorting algorithms, decision-making processes in programming, and much more.

One common mistake people make is confusing the symbols ">" and "<". To remember which is which, you can observe that both symbols have one pointed side and one split side. The pointed side of the "<" symbol points towards the smaller number, while the pointed side of the ">" symbol points towards the larger number. This mnemonic can help you remember that the side with the single point indicates the direction of the inequality.

In mathematical expressions, the "<" symbol is used to denote that the value on the left is strictly less than the value on the right. It's important to note the difference between "<" and "≤" (less than or equal to). The "<" symbol indicates that the left side is strictly less, while "≤" allows for equality as well.

Understanding the concept of "less than" is crucial for solving problems that involve inequalities, such as finding the range of possible values for a variable, determining the conditions under which a certain mathematical statement is true, and solving optimization problems.

In conclusion, the "<" symbol is used to express that one number is less than another. It is a fundamental concept in mathematics that is used in a wide range of applications. Remembering the symbol and its meaning can be aided by the mnemonic that the pointed end of the symbol points towards the smaller number.

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Symbol ">" means "greater than"; symbol "<" means "less than". For example, 2 < 5, 5 > 2. To remember which is which, observe that both symbols have one pointed side where there is just one end, and one split side with 2 ends.read more >>