title: SQL query returning less than or equal to instead of less than?
body: <p>Using Microsoft SQL Server management Studio I have the following query:</p>
  
  <pre><code>DECLARE @payo25 float
  SET @payo25  = 7.2
  
  SELECT first_name, surname, hourly_rate
  FROM table1
  WHERE hourly_rate &lt; @payo25
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>This query returns:</p>
  
  <pre><code>Jane Smith   7.2
  Fred Bloggs  4.9
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I thought <code>&lt;</code> meant less than, not less than or equal to?  </p>
  
  <p>Any ideas?</p>