Less then Symbol Meaning, Examples

1. Understanding the “Less Than” Symbol (<)

• Concept: “Smaller than” means that one number or object is less in size or quantity compared to another.
• Example: If we have 3 apples and 5 apples, 3 apples are smaller in quantity than 5 apples.

• Concept: The symbol “<” is used to show that one quantity is less than another.
• Visual Representation: The open side of the symbol always points to the larger number, while the pointy side points to the smaller number.
• Example:
  • “2 < 5” means 2 is less than 5.

2. Using Objects to Introduce the Concept

• Materials Needed: We can use objects like toys, blocks, or coins.
• Example 1:
  • Objects: 3 apples and 5 apples.
  • Explanation: Place 3 apples on one side and 5 apples on the other. Ask the child which group has fewer apples.
  • Symbol: Write “3 < 5” to show that 3 is less than 5.
• Example 2:
  • Objects: 2 blocks and 4 blocks.
  • Explanation: Place 2 blocks on one side and 4 blocks on the other. Ask the child which group has fewer blocks.
  • Symbol: Write “2 < 4” to show that 2 is less than 4.

3. Visual Examples with Numbers

• Drawings: We can draw simple pictures with numbers.
• Example:
  • Draw 3 circles on one side and 6 circles on the other.
  • Question: “Which side has fewer circles?”
  • Answer: The side with 3 circles.
  • Symbol: Write “3 < 6” to show that 3 is less than 6.

4. Practice Problems

• Problem 1:
  • Numbers: 4 and 9.
  • Question: “Is 4 less than 9?”
  • Answer: “Yes, 4 is less than 9.”
  • Symbol: “4 < 9”
• Problem 2:
  • Numbers: 7 and 10.
  • Question: “Is 7 less than 10?”
  • Answer: “Yes, 7 is less than 10.”
  • Symbol: “7 < 10”

5. Connecting to Everyday Situations

• Encourage the child to find examples where they can use the “less than” symbol.
• Example: “If we have 3 candies and our friend has 5 candies, we can say ‘3 < 5’ because we have fewer candies than our friend.”

6. Games and Activities

• We can create games where the child matches groups of objects with the correct “less than” symbol.
• Activity: Show two groups of objects (e.g., 5 toys and 7 toys) and ask the child to write the correct comparison using the “<” symbol.

1. Example 3: Comparing Candies

• Objects: 4 candies and 6 candies.
• Explanation: Place 4 candies on one side and 6 candies on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer candies?”
• Answer: “The group with 4 candies.”
• Symbol: Write “4 < 6” to show that 4 is less than 6.

2. Example 4: Comparing Pencils

• Objects: 3 pencils and 8 pencils.
• Explanation: Place 3 pencils on one side and 8 pencils on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer pencils?”
• Answer: “The group with 3 pencils.”
• Symbol: Write “3 < 8” to show that 3 is less than 8.

3. Example 5: Comparing Marbles

• Objects: 5 marbles and 9 marbles.
• Explanation: Place 5 marbles on one side and 9 marbles on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer marbles?”
• Answer: “The group with 5 marbles.”
• Symbol: Write “5 < 9” to show that 5 is less than 9.

4. Example 6: Comparing Books

• Objects: 2 books and 7 books.
• Explanation: Place 2 books on one side and 7 books on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer books?”
• Answer: “The group with 2 books.”
• Symbol: Write “2 < 7” to show that 2 is less than 7.

5. Example 7: Comparing Cookies

• Objects: 3 cookies and 10 cookies.
• Explanation: Place 3 cookies on one side and 10 cookies on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer cookies?”
• Answer: “The group with 3 cookies.”
• Symbol: Write “3 < 10” to show that 3 is less than 10.

6. Example 8: Comparing Toys

• Objects: 6 toys and 11 toys.
• Explanation: Place 6 toys on one side and 11 toys on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer toys?”
• Answer: “The group with 6 toys.”
• Symbol: Write “6 < 11” to show that 6 is less than 11.

7. Example 9: Comparing Balls

• Objects: 5 balls and 12 balls.
• Explanation: Place 5 balls on one side and 12 balls on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer balls?”
• Answer: “The group with 5 balls.”
• Symbol: Write “5 < 12” to show that 5 is less than 12.

8. Example 10: Comparing Stickers

• Objects: 4 stickers and 9 stickers.
• Explanation: Place 4 stickers on one side and 9 stickers on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer stickers?”
• Answer: “The group with 4 stickers.”
• Symbol: Write “4 < 9” to show that 4 is less than 9.

9. Example 11: Comparing Bananas

• Objects: 2 bananas and 3 bananas.
• Explanation: Place 2 bananas on one side and 3 bananas on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer bananas?”
• Answer: “The group with 2 bananas.”
• Symbol: Write “2 < 3” to show that 2 is less than 3.

10. Example 12: Comparing Cups

• Objects: 1 cup and 5 cups.
• Explanation: Place 1 cup on one side and 5 cups on the other.
• Question: “Which group has fewer cups?”
• Answer: “The group with 1 cup.”
• Symbol: Write “1 < 5” to show that 1 is less than 5.

2. Example 1: Comparing Bananas

• Objects: 3 bananas and 9 bananas.
• Explanation:
  • Place 3 bananas on one side and 9 bananas on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer bananas?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 bananas.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 9” to show that 3 is less than 9.

3. Example 2: Comparing Apples

• Objects: 2 apples and 4 apples.
• Explanation:
  • Place 2 apples on one side and 4 apples on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer apples?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 apples.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 4” to show that 2 is less than 4.

4. Example 3: Comparing Cookies

• Objects: 5 cookies and 7 cookies.
• Explanation:
  • Place 5 cookies on one side and 7 cookies on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer cookies?”
  • Answer: “The group with 5 cookies.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “5 < 7” to show that 5 is less than 7.

5. Example 4: Comparing Toys

• Objects: 4 toys and 8 toys.
• Explanation:
  • Place 4 toys on one side and 8 toys on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer toys?”
  • Answer: “The group with 4 toys.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “4 < 8” to show that 4 is less than 8.

6. Example 5: Comparing Marbles

• Objects: 6 marbles and 9 marbles.
• Explanation:
  • Place 6 marbles on one side and 9 marbles on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer marbles?”
  • Answer: “The group with 6 marbles.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “6 < 9” to show that 6 is less than 9.

7. Example 6: Comparing Blocks

• Objects: 3 blocks and 6 blocks.
• Explanation:
  • Place 3 blocks on one side and 6 blocks on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer blocks?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 blocks.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 6” to show that 3 is less than 6.

8. Example 7: Comparing Pencils

• Objects: 2 pencils and 11 pencils.
• Explanation:
  • Place 2 pencils on one side and 11 pencils on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer pencils?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 pencils.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 11” to show that 11 is less than 11.

9. Example 8: Comparing Cups

• Objects: 1 cup and 4 cups.
• Explanation:
  • Place 1 cup on one side and 4 cups on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer cups?”
  • Answer: “The group with 1 cup.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “1 < 4” to show that 1 is less than 4.

10. Example 9: Comparing Books

• Objects: 4 books and 5 books.
• Explanation:
  • Place 4 books on one side and 5 books on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer books?”
  • Answer: “The group with 4 books.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “4 < 5” to show that 4 is less than 5.

11. Example 10: Comparing Bottles

• Objects: 3 bottles and 8 bottles.
• Explanation:
  • Place 3 bottles on one side and 8 bottles on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer bottles?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 bottles.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 8” to show that 3 is less than 8.

12. Example 11: Comparing Chairs

• Objects: 2 chairs and 6 chairs.
• Explanation:
  • Place 2 chairs on one side and 6 chairs on the other.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer chairs?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 chairs.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 6” to show that 2 is less than 6.

1. Example 1: Comparing Oranges

• Objects: 4 oranges and 10 oranges.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 4 oranges.
  • On the right, there are 10 oranges.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer oranges?”
  • Answer: “The group with 4 oranges.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “4 < 10” to show that 4 is less than 10.

2. Example 2: Comparing Grapes

• Objects: 2 grapes and 6 grapes.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 2 grapes.
  • On the right, there are 6 grapes.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer grapes?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 grapes.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 6” to show that 2 is less than 6.

3. Example 3: Comparing Ice Cream Cones

• Objects: 3 ice cream cones and 6 ice cream cones.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 3 ice cream cones.
  • On the right, there are 6 ice cream cones.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer ice cream cones?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 ice cream cones.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 6” to show that 3 is less than 6.

4. Example 4: Comparing Teddy Bears

• Objects: 4 teddy bears and 8 teddy bears.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 4 teddy bears.
  • On the right, there are 8 teddy bears.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer teddy bears?”
  • Answer: “The group with 4 teddy bears.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “4 < 8” to show that 4 is less than 8.

5. Example 5: Comparing Pizza Slices

• Objects: 3 pizza slices and 7 pizza slices.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 3 pizza slices.
  • On the right, there are 7 pizza slices.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer pizza slices?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 pizza slices.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 7” to show that 3 is less than 7.

6. Example 6: Comparing Balls

• Objects: 1 balls and 3 balls.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 1 balls.
  • On the right, there are 3 balls.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer balls?”
  • Answer: “The group with 1 balls.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “1 < 3” to show that 1 is less than 3.

7. Example 7: Comparing Donuts

• Objects: 4 donuts and 9 donuts.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 4 donuts.
  • On the right, there are 9 donuts.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer donuts?”
  • Answer: “The group with 4 donuts.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “4 < 9” to show that 4 is less than 9.

8. Example 8: Comparing Candy Bars

• Objects: 1 candy bar and 4 candy bars.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there is 1 candy bar.
  • On the right, there are 4 candy bars.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer candy bars?”
  • Answer: “The group with 1 candy bar.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “1 < 4” to show that 1 is less than 4.

9. Example 9: Comparing Toy Trucks

• Objects: 3 toy trucks and 6 toy trucks.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 3 toy trucks.
  • On the right, there are 6 toy trucks.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer toy trucks?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 toy trucks.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 6” to show that 3 is less than 6.

10. Example 10: Comparing Toy Boats

• Objects: 2 toy boats and 7 toy boats.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 2 toy boats.
  • On the right, there are 7 toy boats.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer toy boats?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 toy boats.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 7” to show that 2 is less than 7.

11. Example 11: Comparing Cupcakes

• Objects: 5 cupcakes and 8 cupcakes.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 5 cupcakes.
  • On the right, there are 8 cupcakes.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer cupcakes?”
  • Answer: “The group with 5 cupcakes.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “5 < 8” to show that 5 is less than 8.

12. Example 12: Comparing Balloons

• Objects: 4 balloons and 10 balloons.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 4 balloons.
  • On the right, there are 10 balloons.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer balloons?”
  • Answer: “The group with 4 balloons.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “4 < 10” to show that 4 is less than 10.

13. Example 13: Comparing Fish

• Objects: 3 fish and 9 fish.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 3 fish.
  • On the right, there are 9 fish.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer fish?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 fish.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 9” to show that 3 is less than 9.

14. Example 14: Comparing Kites

• Objects: 2 kites and 8 kites.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 2 kites.
  • On the right, there are 8 kites.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer kites?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 kites.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 8” to show that 2 is less than 8.

15. Example 15: Comparing Muffins

• Objects: 4 muffins and 5 muffins.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 4 muffins.
  • On the right, there are 5 muffins.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer muffins?”
  • Answer: “The group with 4 muffins.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “4 < 5” to show that 4 is less than 5.

16. Example 16: Comparing Toy Trains

• Objects: 3 toy trains and 8 toy trains.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 3 toy trains.
  • On the right, there are 8 toy trains.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer toy trains?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 toy trains.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 8” to show that 3 is less than 8.

17. Example 17: Comparing Hats

• Objects: 2 hats and 6 hats.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 2 hats.
  • On the right, there are 6 hats.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer hats?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 hats.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 6” to show that 2 is less than 6.

18. Example 18: Comparing Shoes

• Objects: 3 pairs of shoes and 7 pairs of shoes.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 3 pairs of shoes.
  • On the right, there are 7 pairs of shoes.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer pairs of shoes?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 pairs of shoes.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 7” to show that 3 is less than 7.

19. Example 19: Comparing Cups of Juice

• Objects: 2 cups of juice and 4 cups of juice.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 2 cups of juice.
  • On the right, there are 4 cups of juice.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer cups of juice?”
  • Answer: “The group with 2 cups of juice.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “2 < 4” to show that 2 is less than 4.

20. Example 20: Comparing Toy Planes

• Objects: 3 toy planes and 7 toy planes.
• Explanation:
  • On the left, there are 3 toy planes.
  • On the right, there are 7 toy planes.
  • Question: “Which group has fewer toy planes?”
  • Answer: “The group with 3 toy planes.”
• Symbol:
  • Write “3 < 7” to show that 3 is less than 7.

3. Visual Representation

• Drawings: We can draw small circles or squares to represent the objects.
• Example:
  • Draw 4 circles in one row and 6 circles in another.
  • Question: “Which row has fewer circles?”
  • Answer: “The row with 4 circles is smaller than the row with 6 circles.”

4. Practice Problems

• Problem 1:
  • Objects: 8 coins and 5 coins.
  • Question: “Is 5 coins smaller than 8 coins?”
  • Answer: “Yes, 5 coins are smaller than 8 coins.”
• Problem 2:
  • Objects: 9 pencils and 10 pencils.
  • Question: “Is 9 pencils smaller than 10 pencils?”
  • Answer: “Yes, 9 pencils are smaller than 10 pencils.”

5. Connecting to Numbers

• Once the child is comfortable with the concept using objects, we can introduce numbers.
• Example:
  • Question: “Is 5 smaller than 8?”
  • Answer: “Yes, 5 is smaller than 8.”

6. Reinforcement with Everyday Objects

These examples use simple objects that kids are familiar with, helping them to understand the concept of “less than” in a fun and engaging way.

• Encourage the child to find examples of “smaller than” around them. For instance, comparing the number of toys, candies, or any other objects they encounter daily.

By using objects and visual examples, the concept of “smaller than” becomes clear and intuitive for kids.

Each of these examples could be visually represented with images of the objects and the “less than” symbol, helping kids to understand the concept through both visuals and text.