using a formula to make a statement with the use of greater than, less than symbol

Question

I am trying to make statement using the greater than less, less than symbol. I am unsure if the use of $\lt\gt$ symbols have to facing the same direction in an equation. Could you say: $x \lt x + y \gt y$ would this mean that $x$ is less than $x+y$ and also $y \lt x+y$

I'm going to use this for the engraving in my (future) husband wedding band. Just trying to say that we are better together. Hope this makes sense!

Thank you!!!

The engraving would be: a < a + m > m with a= Adam; m= Melissa — Melissa RN, May 07 '15 at 18:42
It does not seem to be mathematically the best representation but as engraving - why not? — Moti, May 07 '15 at 18:43
Well my future husband is an aerospace engineer. So just want it to make sense at least ;) — Melissa RN, May 07 '15 at 18:44
It's hard to interpret it any other way, but mathematically I wouldn't call it good notation. — Henrik supports the community, May 07 '15 at 18:45
yes, it's been a long time sense math class. I thought the symbols were suppose to always face the same way when you wrote out an equation. So it's bad notation in that sense? — Melissa RN, May 07 '15 at 18:48
It would make more sense to me to add parentheses but that's just me, $a < (a+m) > m$ — AJJ, May 07 '15 at 18:59

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered May 07 '15 at 18:48

1

You are correct in that the interpretation of $x<x+y>y$ would be $x<x+y$ and $y<x+y$. This isn't the usual way such a thing is notated - sometimes people write both equations, and sometimes people write $x,y<x+y$. Still, personally I think $x<x+y>y$ has a satisfying symmetry which $x,y<x+y$ doesn't have.

And of course, congratulations!

answered May 07 '15 at 18:48

Peter Woolfitt

21,114

1

Thank you!!! That clarifies it perfectly :) REALLY appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!! – Melissa RN May 07 '15 at 18:50

using a formula to make a statement with the use of greater than, less than symbol

1 Answers1