Comparing Negative Numbers
Sometimes we get confused when comparing negative numbers even if we get the rule "the more negative, the less the number".
This means that -7 is less than -4 and -1 is greater than -3.
We have the numbers:
-3.1 ____ -2.4
The possible symbols to fill up the space are:
< less than
> greater than
= equal to
Since -3.1 is more negative than -2.4, then it's less than -2.4, thus the correct expression is:
-3.1 < -2.4
If still in doubt, just add a positive number big enough like 5:
-3.1 + 5 ____ -2.4 + 5
Operating:
1.9 ___ 2.6
Now it could be more evident the left number is smaller than the right number