Understand the More than, Less than and Equals Symbols

35 is less than 36.

We write this as

35 < 36

49 is more than 39.

We write this as

49 > 39

35 is equal to 35.

We write this as

35 = 35

Example

Fill in the missing symbol <, > or =

65      56

Answer

65 is more than 56.

We write this as

65      56

If you find it hard to remember which way the arrow points, it might help if you think of it as a hungry crocodile! The opening of the arrow is the hungry croc's mouth which always opens to eat the larger number! Does that help?

Let's try some questions now. You can check back to this introduction at any point by clicking on the red help button on the screen.