smaller

Everyday

1. Smaller means less big: a mouse is smaller than a cat. tree →
2. Smaller means less in number or amount: 3 is smaller than 5. tree →

In the lessons

Maths: a comparison — one number or thing less than another; «8 smaller than» means subtract 8; choose the lesser amount; ordering from smallest to largest. Everyday: a smaller size, smaller pieces. Symbol: 3 < 5 (3 is smaller than 5).

Examples

• Which number is smaller, 45 or 54? tree →
• The smaller box holds 6 eggs. tree →
• The smaller number is 8 less than the bigger one. tree →
• Find the smaller of two numbers whose sum is 20. tree →
• My feet are smaller than my dad's. tree →
• Cut the apple into smaller pieces for the baby. tree →
• The sign < means smaller than. tree →
• He is smaller than a picket-pin. tree →

Note

Comparative of small (small, smaller, smallest). Points to subtraction or to choosing the lesser amount. Trap: «8 smaller than» means subtract 8. Trap: −5 is smaller than −2. For numbers «less than» is the usual phrase.

In Jewish tradition

Maths: a comparison — one number or thing less than another; «8 smaller than» means subtract 8; choose the lesser amount; ordering from smallest to largest. Everyday: a smaller size, smaller pieces. Symbol: 3 < 5 (3 is smaller than 5).

Note

Comparative of small (small, smaller, smallest). Points to subtraction or to choosing the lesser amount. Trap: «8 smaller than» means subtract 8. Trap: −5 is smaller than −2. For numbers «less than» is the usual phrase.