Math Forum: Is There an Analog to PF?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of a mathematics forum analogous to Physics Forums (PF). Participants explore the relationship between mathematics and physics, the quality of various math forums, and the nature of mathematical discussions within PF.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with other math forums, citing a lack of quality compared to PF and negative experiences with homework helpers.
  • Another participant suggests that PF serves as both a math and physics forum, noting the presence of competent mathematicians among the members.
  • Some participants argue that while physics involves mathematics, the two disciplines are distinct, with one participant stating they have not encountered formal proofs in their physics education.
  • There is a suggestion to explore the xkcd forum for math discussions as an alternative.
  • A participant raises a question about the status of a specific individual, Matt Grime, within the math subforums.
  • One participant emphasizes the integral role of mathematics in physics, comparing it to a fundamental necessity for survival.
  • There are conflicting views regarding the nature of the conversation, with some participants indicating a resolution while others assert ongoing discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the relationship between mathematics and physics, with some viewing them as closely linked and others emphasizing their differences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the quality and nature of alternative math forums.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences and subjective views on the quality of forums, while others highlight the varying educational experiences related to formal proofs in mathematics and physics.

ehrenfest
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Is there a mathematics analog of PF? I am a member of http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/ but the purpose of that forum is a bit different. I have been a member of several other mathematics forums in the past and none of them seemed close to the high quality of PF (for example, the homework helpers were always grumpy and sometimes insulting when I missed something obvious).
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
I'd say PF was a maths forum and a physics forum-- after all, we have a lot of competent mathematicians here, as well as physicists.
 
Yeah, there are plenty of math sub-forums here just for mathematicians, and also engineering and programming. The name "Physics forums" is kind of misleading, but then again, it is geared towards physics, so that's about as appropriate a name as you will get.
 
Physics is mostly maths anyway, so good mathematicians come with the territory.
 
Physics is still different than math. I haven't had to learn or do a formal proof in my life, and I'm almost ready to graduate.
 
Poop-Loops said:
Physics is still different than math. I haven't had to learn or do a formal proof in my life, and I'm almost ready to graduate.

I once got into trouble for saying what's the point of learning proofs, if you're not really going to use them in the degree. :smile:

Yeah I don't mean to say physics isn't different, it's just I think most people in physics are pretty competent mathematicians anyway if not maths gurus, and well like attracts like.
 
You could try the xkcd sub forum for math.
 
awvvu said:
You could try the xkcd sub forum for math.

What?
 
  • #10
Speaking of the math subforums, does anyone know what happened to Matt Grime?
 
  • #11
Schrödinger's Dog said:
Physics is mostly maths anyway, so good mathematicians come with the territory.

Poop-Loops said:
Physics is still different than math. I haven't had to learn or do a formal proof in my life, and I'm almost ready to graduate.

And so begins another one of THESE conversations...:rolleyes:
 
  • #12
Not really. As far as I can tell, we're done. He made a compromise and I agree to it.
 
  • #13
Maths is as much of a tool to physics as breathing is to staying alive...

What about PlanetMath?
 
  • #14
Poop-Loops said:
Not really. As far as I can tell, we're done. He made a compromise and I agree to it.

No we're not, I didn't compromise I just further elucidated. :wink:smile:
 

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