In mathematics, the expression "a > 1" indicates that the variable a is greater than the number 1. This means that a can take on any value that is larger than 1, such as 2, 3.5, or even 100. This concept is often used in inequalities to compare values and understand their relationships. When a is greater than 1, it can have various implications in different contexts. For example, in finance, if a represents a growth factor, then a value greater than 1 indicates an increase in investment or profit. In science, it might represent a quantity that exceeds a certain threshold, such as temperature or pressure.