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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!!!

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

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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!

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    $\begingroup$ Thank you!!! That clarifies it perfectly :) REALLY appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!! $\endgroup$
    – Melissa RN
    May 7, 2015 at 18:50

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