Problem Set 55 – Inequalities: <, > and =Class 5 Maths · Chapter 16 Preparation for Algebra · Problem Set 55 – Maharashtra Board

Summary: Problem Set 55 – Inequalities: <, > and =

If two expressions are not equal, one is bigger than the other. We show this with '<' (less than) or '>' (greater than).

To compare, first find the value of each expression, then compare the two numbers.

(8 + 9) is 17 and (3 × 6) is 18. Since 17 < 18, we write (8 + 9) < (3 × 6), which is the same as (3 × 6) > (8 + 9).

A number is equal to itself, so 50 = 50 is right, but 50 > 50 and 50 < 50 are wrong.

To fill a missing number, find the value of the known side and work backwards. With '<' or '>' there can be many correct answers.

Key points to remember

• '<' means less than; '>' means greater than
• The open side of < or > faces the bigger number
• Find both values first, then compare
• A < B is the same as B > A
• A number is never greater or less than itself
• (a + b) and (b + a) are always equal
• An '=' box has one answer; a '<' or '>' box has many
• Inequalities use ≠, < or >

Problem Set 55 – Inequalities: <, > and = – Notes

1. From ≠ to < and >

• (10 − 4) is 6 and (20 ÷ 4) is 5, so (10 − 4) ≠ (20 ÷ 4).
• We can say more: 6 > 5, so (10 − 4) > (20 ÷ 4), or turned round, (20 ÷ 4) < (10 − 4).
• Statements with ≠, < or > are called inequalities.

2. Filling in <, = or >

• Step 1: work out the left expression. Step 2: work out the right expression. Step 3: compare.
• (8 + 9) and (3 × 6): 17 and 18 → (8 + 9) < (3 × 6).
• (5 × 6) and (3 × 10): 30 and 30 → (5 × 6) = (3 × 10).
• (40 ÷ 2) and (4 × 4): 20 and 16 → (40 ÷ 2) > (4 × 4).

3. Right or wrong?

• (6 + 3) = (3 + 6) is right — changing the order of adding does not change the sum.
• (6 + 3) > 8 is right, because 9 > 8. (6 + 3) < 8 is wrong.
• 50 = 50 is right; 50 > 50 and 50 < 50 are wrong.
• (12 + 0) = 0 is wrong, because adding zero leaves 12.

4. Finding a missing number (=)

• Work out the side you know, then ask: which number gives the same value?

5. Finding a missing number (< or >)

• (20 ÷ 4) < (2 + □): the left side is 5, so 2 + □ must be more than 5.
• 2 + 3 = 5 is only equal, so □ must be bigger than 3: 4, 5, 6 … all work.
• Many answers are correct; writing any one of them, such as 4, is enough.

Formulas at a glance

Key terms

Problem Set 55 – Inequalities: <, > and = – Flashcards

Read the question, answer it in your head, then tap the card to check. 10 cards.

Problem Set 55 – Inequalities: <, > and = – MCQ Quiz

10 questions. Tap an option — you will see at once if it is right and why.

How to study Problem Set 55 – Inequalities: <, > and =

⏱ About 20 minutes

1. Learn (5 min)
   Remember: the wide open side of < or > faces the bigger number.
2. Compare (10 min)
   Work out both sides of five pairs of expressions and put <, > or =.
3. Practise (5 min)
   Do the 4 'Try it yourself' questions, take the quiz and play 🎮 Play.