Final answer:
To check if value1 is smaller than value2, use the less than operator (<). This operator helps graphically represent a 'left shift' indicating a decrease in curves on a graph, confirming that value1 is indeed less than value2.
Step-by-step explanation:
To check if value1 is smaller than value2, you should use the less than operator (<). For example, if you are writing an alternative hypothesis in a statistical test, denoted as H or H₁, you would use the less than, greater than, or not equals symbols to indicate the relationship between two values or groups.
When considering inequalities in mathematics, the less than operator shows that one quantity is smaller than another. This is like saying there is a "left shift" in a graphical representation, as "less" and "left" both start with L. If the curve on a graph decreases, it confirms visually that one quantity is indeed less than it used to be at any given point. Similarly, an "increase" can be illustrated with a "right shift" on a graph, where both "more" and "right" start with Rs, and you can observe that the quantity is more at any price.