\precThe symbol \prec is used to denote a binary relation that indicates one element is 'preceded by' another in a certain order. It is often used in set theory, order theory, and other mathematical contexts to express that one element is less than another in a non-numeric sense, such as in a partially ordered set.
Element 'a' is preceded by element 'b' in a given order.
a \prec bElement 'x' is preceded by 'y', and 'y' is preceded by 'z', indicating a sequence in order.
x \prec y \prec zIf 'p' is preceded by 'q', then 'p squared' is preceded by 'q squared', assuming the order is preserved under squaring.
p \prec q \Rightarrow p^2 \prec q^2