9<x or 9<16 it is always 9 is less than x or 9 is less than 16 the sign never changes with variable and without variable same with > example:
x>16 or 16>9 it is x is greater than 16 or 16 is greater than 9 so if you ever see them just remember what they mean and for well is less than or equal to and is greater than or equal to the same as for the < and > just add a or equal to, to the end.