Brilliant integral calculation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the use of mathematical notation in integral calculations, with participants debating whether the notation is excessive. One contributor expresses concern that mathematicians sometimes complicate simple problems by using intricate notation. However, others argue that the notation is appropriate and that complexity can lead to more interesting mathematical arguments. The conversation highlights differing opinions on the balance between simplicity and complexity in mathematical expressions. Overall, the thread emphasizes the subjective nature of mathematical notation and its interpretation.
Office_Shredder
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I just saw this and thought that sometimes people can get a bit too carried away with their mathematical notation. Hope you enjoy!

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9690/weirdintegralcalculatio.jpg
 
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But that's the standard way that "real mathematicians" solve easy problems: show the problem is equivalent to a harder problem that has been solved already. :smile:
 
Office_Shredder said:
I just saw this and thought that sometimes people can get a bit too carried away with their mathematical notation.

The notation seems completely fine to me. What is excessive about it? The parenthesis around the 1/12?
 
Office_Shredder said:
I just saw this and thought that sometimes people can get a bit too carried away with their mathematical notation. Hope you enjoy!

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9690/weirdintegralcalculatio.jpg

I don't think it's excessive. Certainly, multiplying everything out would make the integration dead simple, but his/her approach was pretty concise and interesting. Sometimes, a little extra complexity makes for a much more interesting argument (e.g. my favourite proof of the infinitude of prime numbers uses topology).
 
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