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When I first began writing papers I tried to describe using prose. I found that readers were confused and there was much more ambuigity than I anticipated. By
by SomewhatLikely 8y ago
When I first began writing papers I tried to describe using prose. I found that readers were confused and there was much more ambuigity than I anticipated. By using mathematical notation, it becomes a lot less likely that you are misinterpetted and often takes less space. It's kind of like the difference between providing code versus a written description of the algorithm.
- kazinator 8y agoThe problem is assuming that the reader is already familiar with the notation, and consequently not explaining it.
- princeb 8y agothe other problem is assuming the reader knows nothing, going too deep into the foundations supporting the conclusion. mathematical knowledge is like scaffolding. a reader has to gradually build up and buttress the lower layers before attempting to move up. skipping steps does no one any favours.
- ssijak 8y agoIf it is a mathematical paper it is targeted at other mathematicans eho should be able to understqnd the notation.
- MRD85 8y agoMy math professors would teach maths under the presumption we knew mathematical notation. I felt I got thrown in the deep in during first-year calculus units but I also now feel strangely adept at reading maths so it had a positive effect.