Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the differences in usage between the phrases "so that" and "such that" within mathematical contexts. Participants explore the implications of each phrase in terms of grammatical correctness and their respective meanings in mathematical writing.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that "such that" describes a condition that is already satisfied, while "so that" prescribes a condition that needs to be met.
- One participant mentions that "so that" implies a purpose or result, whereas "such that" is more descriptive.
- Another participant references a dictionary definition suggesting that "such that" is preferred, indicating a potential bias in usage.
- Some argue that "so" implies a deduction or consequence, while "such that" can denote satisfaction of a condition.
- One participant claims that "such that" applies to nouns and "so that" applies to verbs, suggesting a grammatical distinction.
- There is confusion expressed regarding the correct usage, with some participants providing examples that they believe clarify the distinctions.
- Alternative phrasing, such as "in such a way that," is suggested as a potential compromise in usage.
- One participant notes that "such" may function similarly to a relative pronoun in this context.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the distinctions between "so that" and "such that." Multiple competing views and interpretations remain, with varying degrees of confidence in the correctness of each perspective.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express uncertainty about the implications of their explanations and the applicability of grammatical rules to mathematical language. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and lacks definitive resolutions on the usage of the phrases.