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

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 May 7, 2015 at 18:42
• It does not seem to be mathematically the best representation but as engraving - why not?
– Moti
May 7, 2015 at 18:43
• Well my future husband is an aerospace engineer. So just want it to make sense at least ;) May 7, 2015 at 18:44
• It makes sense to me, but I'm not a math major! May 7, 2015 at 18:45
• It's hard to interpret it any other way, but mathematically I wouldn't call it good notation. May 7, 2015 at 18:45

## 1 Answer

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!

• Thank you!!! That clarifies it perfectly :) REALLY appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!! May 7, 2015 at 18:50