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You can go back and read maths texts from before algebra was in common use. Before people had these symbols they had to write out their proofs and derivations u
by agentultra 3y ago
You can go back and read maths texts from before algebra was in common use. Before people had these symbols they had to write out their proofs and derivations using the plain language of their day.
tldr; it’s tedious reading those proofs. And it’s laborious to write them. Such labour limits the thoughts one can have. Once algebra has solidified there was an explosion in the pace and depth of mathematics.
The symbols are there for a good reason.
- jandrese 3y agoYeah, but reading novels from those days is also tedious. Doesn't mean they can't be improved.
- Skeime 3y agoSure: And the best way we have found (maybe just so far?) has been to introduce more symbolism. But even today, all guides on good mathematical writing urge you not to go overboard with them; a well-written mathematical text is a reasonable mixture of symbols and prose. In fact, it’s pretty common for math students to want to use only symbols at some point. What they write becomes unintelligible to everyone else (and maybe even themselves) and at some point they (usually) wise up.