Complete list of mathematical notations

In summary, there is no definitive and complete list of mathematical notations as they are constantly evolving and being invented to express new ideas and perspectives.
  • #1
mather
146
0
hello!

is there a complete list of mathematical notations?

thanks!
 
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  • #2
mather said:
hello!

is there a complete list of mathematical notations?

thanks!

Lame joke response

- No, by a diagonal argument no list of notations can be complete.

- Yes, but only if the list is inconsistent.

Straightforward response

Wiki's got a decent list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mathematical_symbols

You can google "math LaTeX" to get many lists of math symbols, like this one:

http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/LaTeX:Symbols [Broken]

Snarky response

Why, is your Google broken?

Philosophical response

No list of mathematical notations can ever be complete as long as math continues to be active research subject. Mathematicians are always inventing new notations to express new ideas or new viewpoints on old ideas. As one striking example, the idea of expressing mathematics using two-dimensional arrow diagrams, aka Category theory, came into existence in the 1940s. You don't see it much as an undergrad, but in higher math it's everywhere. And in just the past twenty years it's started showing up in Computer Science and physics.
 
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  • #3
SteveL27 said:
Lame joke response

- No, by a diagonal argument no list of notations can be complete.

- Yes, but only if the list is inconsistent.

Straightforward response

Wiki's got a decent list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mathematical_symbols

You can google "math LaTeX" to get many lists of math symbols, like this one:

http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/LaTeX:Symbols [Broken]

Snarky response

Why, is your Google broken?

Philosophical response

No list of mathematical notations can ever be complete as long as math continues to be active research subject. Mathematicians are always inventing new notations to express new ideas or new viewpoints on old ideas. As one striking example, the idea of expressing mathematics using two-dimensional arrow diagrams, aka Category theory, came into existence in the 1940s. You don't see it much as an undergrad, but in higher math it's everywhere. And in just the past twenty years it's started showing up in Computer Science and physics.

This looks to me like a compete list of responses to questions asking for complete lists of mathematical notation.:tongue:
 
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  • #4
Mark44 said:
This looks to me like a compete list of responses to questions asking for complete lists of mathematical notation.:tongue:



I would just add one thing.

Part of math is being inventive. There certainly are examples in the history of math where a change in notation helped move along the subject.

Even if a notation exists for a particular branch of mathematics, there may yet still be a better one waiting to be explored. Hence there really is no definitive THIS IS THE CORRECT NOTATION.

We simply use the best notation we have invented thus far.
 
  • #5


Hello,

Thank you for your question. While there is no definitive "complete" list of mathematical notations, there are several resources available that provide extensive lists of commonly used notations in mathematics. Some examples include:

1. The Comprehensive List of Mathematical Symbols by Math Vault: This online resource provides a comprehensive list of mathematical symbols, including their meanings and uses.

2. The Notation in Mathematics Wikipedia Page: This page provides a list of mathematical symbols, along with their meanings and usage in various branches of mathematics.

3. The Handbook of Mathematical Notations by Stuart Hollingdale: This book is a comprehensive reference guide for mathematical notations, including symbols, functions, and operations.

It is important to note that mathematical notations can vary depending on the field of mathematics or the specific equation or problem being solved. Therefore, it is always best to consult the specific resources and textbooks for the field or problem you are working on to ensure accuracy and understanding. I hope this helps and happy studying!
 

What is a mathematical notation?

A mathematical notation is a system of symbols and rules used to represent mathematical concepts, equations, and operations.

Why is a complete list of mathematical notations important?

A complete list of mathematical notations is important because it allows for clear and standardized communication in the field of mathematics. It ensures that everyone is using the same symbols and rules, leading to less confusion and more accurate understanding of mathematical concepts.

How many mathematical notations are there?

There is no exact number of mathematical notations as new notations are constantly being developed and existing notations may vary slightly in different fields of mathematics. However, there are thousands of commonly used notations.

What are some common mathematical notations?

Some common mathematical notations include the plus sign (+) for addition, the minus sign (-) for subtraction, the multiplication symbol (x or *) for multiplication, and the division symbol (/ or ÷) for division.

Where can I find a complete list of mathematical notations?

A complete list of mathematical notations can be found in various math textbooks, online resources, and mathematical reference books. It is important to note that different sources may have slightly different lists, so it is best to consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding of mathematical notations.

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