Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the pronunciation of "ln" (natural logarithm) and related terms in mathematics. Participants share their experiences and frustrations regarding how various instructors and peers pronounce mathematical terms, leading to a broader conversation about notation and common misconceptions in mathematics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express frustration over the pronunciation of "ln" as "lawn," suggesting it is incorrect or annoying.
- Others recount experiences with professors who mispronounce mathematical terms, such as "square root" as "squirt," which they found humorous.
- A participant mentions that many students confuse "ln" with "In," attributing this to how calculators label the button.
- There is a discussion about the notation "ln" being accepted for natural logarithm, with some preferring to use "lg" for base 10 logs to avoid confusion.
- Some participants share their personal pronunciations, such as "Ell En," "lawn," and "len," indicating a lack of consensus on the correct pronunciation.
- One participant notes that the 'n' in "ln" stands for Napier, while another suggests it derives from "log naturalis," prompting questions about the historical context.
- Several participants express annoyance at the use of "root two" instead of "square root of two," highlighting similar issues with clarity in mathematical language.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct pronunciation of "ln," with multiple competing views expressed. There is general agreement on the annoyance caused by mispronunciations and misconceptions, but no unified stance on how to address these issues.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference various teaching practices and personal experiences, indicating that pronunciation and notation can vary widely by region and educational background. Some statements about the history of logarithmic notation remain unverified within the discussion.
