The best way to remember which symbol is the “greater than” (>) symbol is by using a simple visual analogy and mnemonic:
1. The Alligator Mouth Trick
Think of the “greater than” (>) and “less than” (<) symbols as the mouth of an alligator that is always hungry and wants to eat the larger number.
- Greater than (>): The open side of the symbol is like the alligator’s mouth, and it faces the larger number.
- Example: 5 > 3. The alligator eats the 5 because it’s greater than 3.
- Less than (<): The closed side of the symbol points to the smaller number.
- Example: 3 < 5. The alligator eats the 3 because it’s less than 5.
2. Mnemonic: “The open side is the greater side.”
Another way to remember it is by simply saying, “The open side points to the greater number.”
- For example: 4 > 2: The open side points to the 4 because it’s greater than 2.
3. Visualizing the Shape of the Symbols
You can also think of the “greater than” symbol (>) as resembling the letter “V” or an open mouth. The wide part of the “V” or mouth is always facing the larger number.
Quick Summary:
- Greater than (>) = Open side toward the larger number (think of the alligator eating the larger number).
- Less than (<) = Open side toward the smaller number.
By using these simple visuals and mnemonics, you’ll easily remember which symbol is for “greater than”!