The Mathematical Symbol "Less-Than Sign (<)"
The "Less-Than Sign" (<): A Fundamental Relation in Mathematics
Among the myriad of symbols in mathematics, a few stand out for their foundational significance. The < or "Less-Than Sign" is one such notation. Universally recognized and ubiquitously used, this symbol establishes a basic ordinal relationship between numbers. In this article, we'll explore its varied implications and applications.
Grasping the < Symbol
The < symbol, at its core, defines a basic order relation between numbers. If \( a \) and \( b \) are two numbers, then \( a < b \) signifies that \( a \) is less than \( b \). While most commonly used with real numbers, the concept of "less than" is foundational to many areas of mathematics.
Example 1: Real Numbers
For two real numbers, say 3 and 5, the relationship can be written as:
3 < 5
This indicates that 3 is less than 5.
Example 2: Algebraic Expressions
Consider two algebraic expressions \( x^2 \) and \( x^3 \) where \( x > 1 \). In this context, one can infer:
\( x^2 < x^3 \) for all \( x > 1 \).
The < symbol isn't limited to numbers and algebraic expressions. In more advanced areas of mathematics, similar "order relations" can be defined for more abstract entities, like matrices, functions, and even sets. Moreover, in computer programming and algorithm design, the < symbol plays a crucial role in condition-checking and loop constructs.
In summary, the < symbol's straightforward representation of an order relation is a cornerstone in mathematics, science, and programming. Its enduring presence across disciplines is a testament to its fundamental importance.
Are You Good at Mathematical Symbols?
Do you know, or can you guess, the technical symbols? Well, let's see!
- This test has questions.
- A correct answer is worth 5 points.
- You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
- Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
- Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
- 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Guru (+)
Hero (+)
Captain (+)
Sergeant (+)
Recruit (+)
Codes for the < Symbol
| The Symbol | < | |
| Alt Code | Alt 60 | |
| HTML Code | < | |
| HTML Entity | < | |
| CSS Code | \003C | |
| Hex Code | < | |
| Unicode | U+003C |
How To Insert the < Symbol
(Method 1) Copy and paste the symbol.
The easiest way to get the < symbol is to copy and paste it into your document.Bear in mind that this is a UTF-8 encoded character. It must be encoded as UTF-8 at all stages (copying, replacing, editing, pasting), otherwise it will render as random characters or the dreaded �.
(Method 2) Use the "Alt Code."
If you have a keyboard with a numeric pad, you can use this method. Simply hold down the Alt key and type 60. When you lift the Alt key, the symbol appears. ("Num Lock" must be on.)(Method 3) Use the HTML Decimal Code (for webpages).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: <</b> | My symbol: < |
(Method 4) Use the HTML Entity Code (for webpages).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: <</b> | My symbol: < |
(Method 5) Use the CSS Code (for webpages).
| CSS and HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
|
<style> span:after { content: "\003C";} </style> <span>My symbol:</span> | My symbol: < |
(Method 6) Use the HTML Hex Code (for webpages and HTML canvas).
| HTML Text | Output |
|---|---|
| <b>My symbol: <</b> | My symbol: < |
| JavaScript Text |
|---|
|
const x = "0x"+"E9" ctx.fillText(String.fromCodePoint(x), 5, 5); |
| Output |
< |
(Method 7) Use the Unicode (for various, e.g. Microsoft Office, JavaScript, Perl).
The Unicode for < is U+003C. The important part is the hexadecimal number after the U+, which is used in various formats. For example, in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint), do the following:| Type | Output |
|---|---|
| 003C [Hold down Alt] [Press x] | < (The 003C turns into <. Note that you can omit any leading zeros.) |
| JavaScript Text | Output |
|---|---|
| let str = "\u003C" document.write("My symbol: " + str) | My symbol: < |