Math Notation Debate
The cluster discusses the strengths, weaknesses, ambiguities, and proposed reforms of mathematical notation, particularly its complexity for engineers and non-experts versus its efficiency for experts.
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You imply that mathematics isn't concerned with notation?
It's one thing to introduce your own notation and another thing to reuse already established mathematical notation.
Standard mathematical notation?
The mathematical notations here are really bad.
> Towards a Better Notation for Mathematics for Engineers
Somewhat related: https://aeon.co/videos/maths-notation-is-needlessly-complex-...
Thanks for the detailed response. Point about treating math notation as a compact way of writing makes complete sense.
Not surprising at all. If someone is not familiar with the notation it can certainly get in the way. Furthermore math notation is very context sensitive, so possibility of confusion abounds.
I'm certain you would be confused by non-standard usage of notation. It's not just symbols and that any symbol can be used. Try reading or speaking English with the adjectives in an order that is not expected. It's confusing as hell but grammatically correct. Our brains get trained to see things in a certain way and when the symbols get jumbled up so do we.(x1(x2+x3) - x1(x2))/x3is simply not as understandable to a first year calculus student as(f(x+h) - f(x))&#x
Yes. What's wrong with changing math notation? Why wouldn't you do it if you know that it would make it easier for others to approach? What's the rationale behind doing exactly nothing to make the notation more approachable for the masses?