How do you apply italics and bold on this site

[ruby27]

sorry this is such a dim question - I know there is an explanation in the tutorial but I do not understand it
Could someone provide me with a simple explanation
thank you in anticipation

[Ethel]

For italics type < i > before and < /i > after, and replace the i with a b for bold.

No spaces between the <> though.

< b > to make this sentence bold I would use this without the spaces < /b >

[ruby27]

sorry still don't get it
if I type an this isn't now italic, is it? Sorry its me I know but I just can not get it.

[ruby27]

Ethel
It was I just didn't realise that it didn't show up on the post until it was submitted. That should be on the tutorial for thickies like me
thank you for your assitance