More and Less Math Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

easy
Insert <<, >>, or == between each pair: (a) −5-5 ___ −2-2, (b) 00 ___ −1-1.

Solution

  1. 1
    (a) On the number line, −5-5 is to the left of −2-2, so −5<−2-5 < -2.
  2. 2
    (b) 00 is to the right of −1-1, so 0>−10 > -1.

Answer

(a)  −5<−2(b)  0>−1(a)\; -5 < -2 \qquad (b)\; 0 > -1
The number line makes comparisons visual: left means less, right means greater. Zero is greater than every negative number. A common error is thinking that −5>−2-5 > -2 because 5 > 2 — but the negative sign flips the order.

About More and Less

Comparing two quantities to determine which is greater, which is smaller, or whether they are equal.

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More More and Less Examples

Example 1 easy

Use [formula], [formula], or [formula] to compare: [formula] ___ [formula].

Example 2 medium

Order from least to greatest: [formula], [formula], [formula], [formula], [formula].

Example 4 medium

Which is greater, [formula] or [formula]? Use cross-multiplication to decide.

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