Understanding Comparison Operators
Comparison symbols are fundamental to both mathematics and computer logic. They establish the relationship between two entities, determining if they are the same, different, or if one carries more value than the other.
Common Confusions
In handwritten math, we often use the standard equals (=) for almost everything. However, in formal logic and coding, precision is key:
- The Equal Sign (=): In programming, a single `=` is often an assignment operator (e.g., `x = 5`), whereas `==` or `===` checks for equality. In math, `x = 5` simply states a fact.
- Approximately Equal (≈): Used when two values are close enough to be considered the same for practical purposes, often used in physics or engineering approximations (e.g., π approx 3.14).
- Inequalities (< >): The "alligator mouth" mnemonic is often taught in schools—the mouth eats the larger value (5 > 3).
Number Line Representation
When visualizing comparisons on a number line, symbols like ≤ and ≥ include the endpoint, while strictly less than (<) or greater than (>) exclude the endpoint.