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Greater Than Or Less Than Calculator

Compare two numbers and determine their relationship with detailed explanations

Compare Two Numbers

Can be positive, negative, or decimal

Can be positive, negative, or decimal

❌ Please enter two valid numbers to compare
Please enter valid numeric values for both numbers

Example Comparisons

5 > 3
Positive numbers: 5 is greater than 3
-2 > -7
Negative numbers: -2 is closer to zero
4 > -1
Positive vs negative: positive is always greater
0 = 0
Equal numbers: both values are identical
-3.5 < 2.1
Decimal comparison: negative vs positive

Comparison Symbols

>

Greater Than

Left number is larger

<

Less Than

Left number is smaller

=

Equal To

Numbers are identical

Greater or Equal

Left ≥ right

Less or Equal

Left ≤ right

Comparison Rules

📍

Same Sign Numbers

Compare their absolute values

📍

Different Signs

Positive is always greater than negative

📍

Negative Numbers

Closer to zero means greater

📍

Number Line

Right is greater than left

Quick Tips

💡

The opening of > and < always points to the greater number

💡

For negative numbers, -1 > -5 because -1 is closer to zero

💡

Zero is greater than any negative number

💡

Decimal places matter: 0.1 > 0.01

Understanding Number Comparison

What is Number Comparison?

Number comparison is the process of determining the relationship between two numbers. We can determine if one number is greater than, less than, or equal to another number using mathematical symbols and logical reasoning.

Why is it Important?

  • Foundation for mathematical reasoning and problem-solving
  • Essential for understanding inequalities and equations
  • Used in programming and computer science logic
  • Helpful in everyday decision-making and analysis

Comparison Steps

  1. Check if both numbers have the same sign (positive/negative)
  2. If different signs: positive number is always greater
  3. If same positive signs: compare absolute values directly
  4. If same negative signs: the one closer to zero is greater
  5. If identical: numbers are equal

Memory Aid

Remember the "Alligator Mouth":

The open mouth of the symbol (> or <) always "eats" or points toward the larger number. Think of it as a hungry alligator that always wants to eat the bigger meal!

Common Applications

📊 Statistics

Comparing data points, finding maximum and minimum values

💻 Programming

Conditional statements, loops, and decision-making logic

🏦 Finance

Comparing prices, profits, losses, and financial metrics