In mathematics, learners often confuse the meaning of the greater than symbol (>) and less than (<) symbol.  Last week in my math class, one fifth grade student was no exception.  At our school, students use the memory trick to think of the sign as an alligators mouth.  The way to draw the symbol is easier because the alligator wants to eat the bigger number.  Another trick we use it to think of the point as the smaller end (which points to the smaller number) and to think of the other side as the larger end (which is on the same side as the larger number).  This particular student knew both of these tricks, but was still struggling.  That is when we came up with what is now called the “bird trick” (Thanks Kara!).

Photo by tibchris.

This is how it works.  First, you have two numbers to compare.

Second, you circle the number that is larger.

On that circle, draw the beak of a bird.  You know the expression, to “eat like a bird“?  These bird is eating little bits of food, so he is going to peck at the smaller number.  (Drawing an eye on your bird is not necessary, but it is fun!)

Now you know which way to draw the sign!  Rewrite your comparison if needed.

Here are all the steps combined into one graphic.

Here is one more example involving decimals.

Circle the larger number. Remember with decimals to pay attention to place value.  Adding zeroes as places holders make it easier to compare, so another way to think of this comparison is 0.73 versus 0.60.

Once again, draw in the beak for your bird.  (Yup, my bird eye is fancier this time!)

Rewrite your comparison if needed.

Once again, here are the steps in one graphic.

Have fun using this easy method to draw your inequality symbol!