Which phrase is synonymous with the symbol ≤?

Which phrase is synonymous with the symbol ≤?

• A. greater than
• B. less than or equal to
• C. greater than or equal to
• D. less than

Answer: (B)

The symbol ≤ means a value is either smaller than another value or the same as that value. In words, that’s the phrase “less than or equal to.” For example, 3 ≤ 5 is true, and 5 ≤ 5 is also true, while 7 ≤ 3 is false. This symbol is used to describe an upper limit, often read as “at most.” The other phrases don’t match because they describe different ideas. “Greater than” describes values that are larger, not smaller or equal. “Greater than or equal to” includes the idea of being larger or the same, but not smaller. “Less than” covers only strictly smaller values and excludes equality.

The symbol ≤ means a value is either smaller than another value or the same as that value. In words, that’s the phrase “less than or equal to.” For example, 3 ≤ 5 is true, and 5 ≤ 5 is also true, while 7 ≤ 3 is false. This symbol is used to describe an upper limit, often read as “at most.”

The other phrases don’t match because they describe different ideas. “Greater than” describes values that are larger, not smaller or equal. “Greater than or equal to” includes the idea of being larger or the same, but not smaller. “Less than” covers only strictly smaller values and excludes equality.