Answer
We determine their placement on the number line and observe which number is farther to the left.
This is the lesser number.
Work Step by Step
On the real number line, the real numbers increase from left to right.
The lesser of two real numbers is the one farther to the left on a number line.
The greater of two real numbers is the one farther to the right on a number line.
Thus, we determine their placement on the number line and observe which number is farther to the left.
This is the lesser number.
