Notation Question $n$ $ < <$ $m$

Question

What does the following notation mean: $n< < m$ , where $n$ and $m$ are numbers?

You don't need to put separate dollar signs around each symbol, it's enough to put one on either end of the entire expression. It also makes the math renderer responsible for putting in the correct spacing, which means that the end result usually ends up being prettier. So you should write $1 + 2 = 3$ , instead of $1$ $+$ $2$ $=$ $3$. — Arthur, Aug 26 '15 at 09:17
@Arthur Thank you. I am not familiar with this type of writing, trying to improve myself :( — MATH, Aug 26 '15 at 09:20
There is a nice guide here for how to typeset mathematics on this site. — Arthur, Aug 26 '15 at 09:50

Arthur · Answer 1 · 2015-08-26T10:05:40.700

2

It depends on context (just ask a C or C++ programmer) but in mathematics and physics it usually denotes that $n$ is much smaller than $m$. It is a vague notion, but useful at times.

edited Aug 26 '15 at 10:05

answered Aug 26 '15 at 09:14

Arthur

199,419

Actually, << works in C too. Sorry for the noise. – lhf Aug 26 '15 at 10:03

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 26 '15 at 09:14

1

In the context where I have encountered this notation, it meant that $n$ is a lot smaller than $m$. As opposed to, for example, smaller but arbitrarily close to $m$.

answered Aug 26 '15 at 09:14

molarmass

2,014
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Notation Question $n$ $ < <$ $m$

2 Answers2