Less Than or Equal To (≤) - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia

What Does "Less Than or Equal To" Mean?

"Less than or equal to" is a math concept we use to compare numbers or amounts. When we say one number is "less than or equal to" another number, it means:

Either: The first number is smaller than the second number
Or: The first number is exactly the same as the second number

For example, if you have 3 apples and your friend has 5 apples, we can say "3 is less than or equal to 5" because 3 is smaller than 5. If you both had 4 apples, we could also say "4 is less than or equal to 4" because they are equal.

This concept helps us understand relationships between numbers and solve math problems.

The Less Than or Equal To Symbol

In math, we use special symbols to show comparisons quickly. The symbol for "less than or equal to" looks like this:

How to Use Less Than or Equal To

Using the less than or equal to symbol is easy once you know how to compare numbers. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Look at the two numbers you want to compare
Step 2: Ask yourself: "Is the first number smaller than the second number?"
Step 3: If not, ask: "Are the two numbers equal?"
Step 4: If the answer to either question is YES, then you can use the ≤ symbol

Let's practice with an example:

Compare 4 and 7
Is 4 smaller than 7? → Yes
So we can write: 4 ≤ 7

Compare 5 and 5
Is 5 smaller than 5? → No
Are they equal? → Yes
So we can write: 5 ≤ 5

Compare 8 and 3
Is 8 smaller than 3? → No
Are they equal? → No
So we cannot use ≤ (we would use > instead)

Real-World Examples

We use "less than or equal to" in many real-life situations. Here are some examples:

Example 1: Amusement park rides often have height restrictions
"You must be ≤ 48 inches tall to ride"
This means your height must be 48 inches or less

Example 2: Movie theaters have age-based ticket prices
"Child ticket: Age ≤ 12"
This means children 12 years old or younger get the child price

Example 3: Speed limits on roads
"Speed ≤ 55 mph"
This means you should drive 55 miles per hour or slower

Example 4: Baking recipes
"Bake at 350°F for ≤ 30 minutes"
This means bake for 30 minutes or less

Example 5: Store discounts
"Discount applies to orders ≤ $100"
This means orders of $100 or less get the discount

Number Comparison Examples

Practice Quiz

Test your understanding with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about less than or equal to:

Math Trivia

Discover interesting facts about math symbols and comparisons: