The alligators always want to eat the most they can. They always eat the bigger number.

Mnemonic Device

< is an arrow pointing to the LEFT (LESS THAN).

is an alligator’s mouth opening to the larger food (GREATER THAN).

Explanation

3 < 4 The arrow is pointing LEFT (LESS THAN). 4 > 3 The alligator's mouth is opening to the 4 (GREATER THAN). (The alligators always want to eat the most they can. They always eat the bigger number.)