VIDEO: Distinguishing between smaller and larger signs

If your children are among those who have some difficulty telling the less-than-and- If you have a greater-than sign, take a moment and explain this to your offspring in a child-friendly manner Difference.

Meaning of the relation signs

First of all, it should be briefly explained when these two symbols, which are mathematically correctly called relational or ratio symbols, are used.

• In addition to the less-than and greater-than signs, the relations signs also include the is-equal sign. In addition, a combination of “less than” and “is equal to” as well as “greater than” and “is equal to” is possible.
• If one number is smaller than the other, the less than sign is used: 3 <5.
• If one number is greater than the other, the greater-than sign is used: 5> 3.


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• A combination sign () is used with Equations used.

The less than sign (

You can explain the less than sign to your child as follows:

• The character is used when the first number is smaller than the second. Correspondingly, the less than sign begins closed and continues into the opening.
• The crocodile could be a donkey bridge here: the first number is smaller, but it still "eats" the second without any problems!

The greater than sign (>) explained in simple terms

In contrast, here are some ways you can teach your child the following explanations for the greater-than sign:

• It is used when the first number is greater than the second.
• You explain this to your child by saying that the large opening points to the large number and then gets smaller and smaller as the small number gets.

Take the time to explain or explain the signs and their uses to your child for a long time. practicing it until your child knows which to use when. In math problems, just knowing which sign means what can mean a grade better. Have fun practicing!