What criteria are required for publishing a math paper?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the criteria required for publishing a mathematics paper, with a focus on the types of mathematics that tend to receive attention in journals. Participants explore notions of "advanced" mathematics, originality, and the importance of literature reviews in the publication process.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the perceived level of advancement in their work, questioning whether their mathematics is "advanced enough" for publication.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of "advanced" by asking for clarification on what it entails, suggesting that originality and usefulness are more critical than complexity.
  • Some participants argue that the work must be original and relevant to the field, emphasizing the necessity of a clear presentation and correctness to satisfy reviewers.
  • There is a suggestion that certain areas of mathematics, such as topology and combinatorics, may receive more attention, but this is not universally agreed upon.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough literature review to contextualize the work and define its originality.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of proving the Riemann Hypothesis, indicating a belief that it may be an overly ambitious goal.
  • Another participant mentions that even a novel approach to a basic problem, like solving a quadratic equation, could be publishable.
  • One participant expresses frustration with the discussion, indicating a strong disagreement with the previous points made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on what constitutes "advanced" mathematics or the specific criteria for publication. Multiple competing views remain regarding the importance of originality, complexity, and the relevance of different mathematical fields.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for a sufficient literature review, but the discussion does not resolve the specific criteria that define originality or the level of advancement required for publication.

elfboy
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I'm working on a mathematics paper, and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what criteria are required to get published? I've gone some googling and found some good information and a journal I want to publish to, but I'm more specifically wondering what type of mathematics tends to get published? Topology and combinatorics seems to get the most attention and is the most advanced, or am I wrong? My concern is that the mathematics I'm working on isn't advanced enough. The Riemann Hypothesis relates to complex analysis and reads like, but most other unsolved or compelling topics are of other fields. Is there a favorism?
 
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Are you certain that what you're doing has not been done before?
 
There are unsolved topics in every area but if youre thinking of proving Reimann Hypothesis I would bet against you.
 
What exactly do you mean by "advanced"?
 
qntty said:
What exactly do you mean by "advanced"?

I mean non trivial. Obviously if you solve a quadratic equation by copying the proof from a high school textbook and submitted it as a paper it would be deemed as some sort of prank and rejected. How advanced does it haave to be? I'm done writing it, so I'm going to send it off and see what happens.
 
It's not a matter of "advanced", it's a matter of being new, useful or ideally both.
 
elfboy said:
I mean non trivial. Obviously if you solve a quadratic equation by copying the proof from a high school textbook and submitted it as a paper it would be deemed as some sort of prank and rejected. How advanced does it haave to be? I'm done writing it, so I'm going to send it off and see what happens.

If you somehow found a novel way of solving a quadratic equation, it would be publishable.
 
elfboy said:
I'm working on a mathematics paper, and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what criteria are required to get published? I've gone some googling and found some good information and a journal I want to publish to, but I'm more specifically wondering what type of mathematics tends to get published? Topology and combinatorics seems to get the most attention and is the most advanced, or am I wrong? My concern is that the mathematics I'm working on isn't advanced enough. The Riemann Hypothesis relates to complex analysis and reads like, but most other unsolved or compelling topics are of other fields. Is there a favorism?

I can't speak to mathematics in particular, but in general, you need to present original, unique work that has some kind of relevance to a particular field - and of course it has to be clearly presented and (at least to the satisfaction of the reviewers) correct. Some might argue that particular theories encounter favouritism, but as long as the science is correct, it should get through.

To really know what gets published, you have to read articles in the journal you're submitting to. If you haven't done this, your chances for publication are slim to none. One of the first things that I look for in a manuscript that I review is whether or not the authors have performed a sufficient literature review. This (a) places the work in the proper context, (b) defines what is original about the work presented, and (c) points the reader to other relevant work.
 
Choppy said:
I can't speak to mathematics in particular, but in general, you need to present original, unique work that has some kind of relevance to a particular field - and of course it has to be clearly presented and (at least to the satisfaction of the reviewers) correct. Some might argue that particular theories encounter favouritism, but as long as the science is correct, it should get through.

To really know what gets published, you have to read articles in the journal you're submitting to. If you haven't done this, your chances for publication are slim to none. One of the first things that I look for in a manuscript that I review is whether or not the authors have performed a sufficient literature review. This (a) places the work in the proper context, (b) defines what is original about the work presented, and (c) points the reader to other relevant work.

thanks for the advice. I went though my paper and referenced other sources to contextualize it.
 
  • #10
I call ********.
 

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