What does the less than symbol signify?

The less than symbol is a mathematical notation used to indicate that one quantity is smaller than another. When it appears in an expression, it signifies that the value on the left side is less than the value on the right side. For example, if you see "x < 5," it indicates that the variable x can take on any value that is smaller than 5. This concept is fundamental in various branches of mathematics, including algebra, where comparisons between numbers or variables are essential for solving equations and inequalities.

In the context of the choices provided, the less than symbol precisely conveys the notion of being smaller than a specified value or range, making this choice correct. The other options reference different concepts that do not align with the meaning of the less than symbol, such as larger sizes, exact sizes, or a lack of specifications, which are not related to the idea of comparative measurement that the less than symbol represents.