# latex problem what is wrong with \ less

the \less latex symbol doesn't show properly in firefox . (it is in the latex A4 manual table 97) example $\forall x \exists y (x \less y)$

Or am I making a simple mistake (would not be the first time)

• \less doesn't appear to be among the $\LaTeX$ symbols supported by MathJax. Moreover, the Comprehensive $\LaTeX$ Symbol List indicates that it is part of the MnSymbol package. What's wrong with simply using $<$ to produce $<$? – user642796 Feb 25 '14 at 8:50
• @ArthurFischer thanks that is new the list you mention isn't mentioned on meta.math.stackexchange.com/questions/5020/… i just always thought that all Tex from the symbol list was available, should we adjust the tutorial? – Willemien Feb 25 '14 at 9:00
• If you want to use a \ expression for $<$, try $\lt$. – Daniel R Feb 25 '14 at 9:15
• @Willemien: symbols-a4.pdf is "The Comprehensive $\LaTeX$ Symbol List" of glyphs available from many packages. MathJax supports some of the packages, but not all. On math.SE, the "TeX-AMS_HTML-full" configuration is used, which includes most of the AMS symbols. Including more packages imposes a larger overhead on each user, and there does not seem to be a great need for more (except for those who would like commutative diagrams). – robjohn Feb 25 '14 at 14:16
• @robjohn thanks, I was just unaware of that (it is not in the tutorial, or did i mis something?) – Willemien Feb 25 '14 at 17:04
• Just use $<$ to make $<$. On the other hand, if you want to make $\le$ (less than or equal sign), use $\le$. – TrueDefault Feb 26 '14 at 8:33
• Using $<$ can sometimes confuse the system, since < also signals an HTML tag. If you always follow < with a space, you should be OK. – GEdgar Mar 2 '14 at 14:47

• $\lt$ and $\gt$ for $\lt$ and $\gt$.
• $\le$ and $\ge$ for $\le$ and $\ge$. Or $\leq$ and $\geq$ for the same effect.
What's wrong with simply using $&lt;$ to produce $&lt;$?