TeXipedia

lt

Represents the less-than relation in mathematical expressions, providing a clear and semantically correct alternative to the < symbol.

Overview

Serves as a mathematical operator for comparing quantities, particularly useful in formal mathematical writing and computer science contexts.

  • Preferred over the plain < character in LaTeX for proper spacing and mathematical semantics
  • Common in logical expressions, inequalities, and algorithmic descriptions
  • Essential for writing mathematical proofs and formal definitions
  • Particularly valuable when describing ordered sets, numerical ranges, and computational constraints

Examples

Comparing two variables in a mathematical inequality

x<yx \lt y 
x \lt y

Defining a set using the less than relation

S={x∈R:x<5}S = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : x \lt 5\} 
S = \{x \in \mathbb{R} : x \lt 5\}

Expressing a limit condition

lim⁡x→0+1x,x<1\lim_{x \to 0^{+}} \frac{1}{x}, \quad x \lt 1 
\lim_{x \to 0^{+}} \frac{1}{x}, \quad x \lt 1