What does this symbol mean? i originally took it to mean the intersection but now i’m not so sure. does it mean the intersection or the total or something else entirely?

Luke started a weight-loss program. the first week, he lost x pounds. the second week, he lost pounds less than times the pounds he lost the first week. the third week, he lost 1 pound more than of the pounds he lost the first week. liam started a weight-loss program when luke did. the first week, he lost 1 pound less than times the pounds luke lost the first week. the second week, he lost 4 pounds less than times the pounds luke lost the first week. the third week, he lost pound more than times the pounds luke lost the first week.