In mathematics, "fewer" refers to a smaller quantity or amount, specifically indicating a lesser value when comparing different numbers. This concept is primarily used with countable objects or items to express that one quantity is less than another. For example, when we say there are fewer students in one class than another, we're making a numerical comparison between two countable groups.
The symbol used to represent "fewer than" is the less than symbol ( Examples of Fewer in Mathematical Comparisons Example 1: Using the "Fewer Than" Symbol Problem:
Express this sentence using the fewer than symbol: 5 is less than 11.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, identify what we're comparing: we have the number 5, which is smaller than the number 11.
Step 2, recall that the symbol for "fewer than" or "less than" is the
Step 3: When expressing "5 is less than 11" mathematically, we write: 5115 511
Step 4: Remember that the smaller number (5) should be on the side where the symbol comes to a point, while the larger number (11) should be on the side where the symbol opens up.
Example 2: Using the "Greater Than" Symbol Problem:Express this using the greater than symbol: 15 is greater than 9.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, understand what relationship we're expressing: 15 exceeds 9 in value.
Step 2, recall that the symbol for "greater than" is >, which points toward the smaller number.
Step 3: To express "15 is greater than 9" mathematically, we write: 15>915 > 915>9
Step 4: The symbol should open toward the smaller number (9) and point away from the larger number (15). Another way to remember: the symbol always "eats" the larger number.
Example 3: Comparing Quantities Problem:If there are 5 pencils and 10 pens, how would we express that there is a smaller quantity of pencils than pens?
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, identify what we're comparing: two countable quantities - pencils (5) and pens (10).
Step 2, determine which quantity is smaller: 5 pencils is less than 10 pens.
Step 3: Since we're comparing countable objects, the correct term to use is "fewer" rather than "less."
Step 4: We would say "There are fewer pencils than pens."
Step 5, we could also write: 5 pencils Comments(5)MCMs. CarterSeptember 17, 2025I’ve been using the 'fewer' definition and examples from this page to help my kids grasp comparison concepts. The step-by-step breakdown really clicked with them—so helpful for homework time!
MCMs. CarterSeptember 10, 2025I’ve been teaching my kids about comparisons, and the clear examples on ‘fewer’ really helped them grasp it! The step-by-step approach made it easy to explain. Great resource!NNatureLover85August 27, 2025Loved how clear the 'fewer' definition and examples were! My kids finally get the difference between fewer and less. We even practiced with their toy cars—great resource for parents!NNatureLover2025August 20, 2025I’ve been using this glossary with my kids, and the 'fewer' definition really helped clarify the concept for them. The examples made it super easy to explain comparisons with countable objects!MMathMom42July 30, 2025I’ve been using this definition to help my kids understand comparisons, and it’s made a big difference! The examples are super clear and easy to follow.Explore More TermsByLinear Pair of AnglesLengthLitres to MillilitersRegular PolygonSurface Area of CubeView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsUse the Number Line to Round Numbers to the Nearest Ten3Math3.NBT.A.1Understand division: size of equal groups3Math2.OA.CDivide by 93Math3.OA.C.7Identify and Describe Subtraction Patterns3Math3.OA.D.9Equivalent Fractions of Whole Numbers on a Number Line3Math3.NF.A.3cMutiply by 23Math3.OA.C.7View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosWrite Subtraction SentencesKMathK.OA.A.1Add within 10 Fluently1Math1.OA.C.6Understand and Estimate Liquid Volume3Math3.MD.A.2Multiply by 8 and 93Math3.OA.C.7The Commutative Property of Multiplication3Math3.OA.B.5Compare Fractions Using Benchmarks4Math4.NF.A.2View All VideosRecommended WorksheetsSubtract across zeros within 1,0002Math2.NBT.B.7Fractions on a number line: greater than 13Math3.NF.A.2.bRead and Make Scaled Bar Graphs3Math3.MD.B.3Understand And Model Multi-Digit Numbers4Math4.NBT.A.1Add Mixed Number With Unlike Denominators5Math5.NF.A.1Use Dot Plots to Describe and Interpret Data Set6Math6.SP.B.4, 6.SP.B.5a, 6.SP.B.5b, 6.SP.B.5c, 6.SP.A.2View All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesDove sitting on a branch with no backgroundPre-K – KAll SubjectsNumber 12 with leaves intertwined in the digitsPre-KAll SubjectsHybrid car with simple wheels and a sun above itPre-K – KAll SubjectsPancake stack with a kitchen background, including a stove and utensils3 – 4All SubjectsBookshelf with books, a student reading at a table, a librarian checking out books, and detailed posters and decorations around the library5 – 6All SubjectsBread loaf on a Thanksgiving feast table with other dishes and family around5 – 6All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended BlogsDigital Citizenship Curriculum That Works for K-6 StudentsNovember 12, 2025Essential NGSS Lessons: 14 Research-Backed Resources for Elementary ScienceSeptember 29, 2025Best Science Websites for K-6 Classrooms: A Teacher's GuideSeptember 27, 2025Best School Unblockers: Essential Educational iPad Apps That Transform Learning for K-6 StudentsSeptember 18, 2025Digital Citizenship Curriculum: Essential Lessons for K-6 StudentsSeptember 17, 2025Making Financial Algebra Fun: How to Gamify Personal Finance for K-6 StudentsSeptember 17, 2025View All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
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