Undergrad What is the significance of the semicolon in function notation?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Swamp Thing
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Notation
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The semicolon in function notation, such as G(r1, r2; z), serves to distinguish between variables and parameters. In this context, r1 and r2 are variables, while z is a fixed complex parameter that does not change within the function. This notation is commonly used in mathematical and physical contexts, particularly in Green's functions. The distinction is crucial for understanding how functions operate with varying inputs versus fixed parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of function notation in mathematics
  • Familiarity with Green's functions in physics
  • Basic knowledge of complex parameters
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions in academic papers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of Green's functions in mathematical physics
  • Explore the use of semicolons in mathematical notation
  • Review the provided lecture notes on quantum physics for practical examples
  • Investigate the implications of variable versus parameter distinction in mathematical modeling
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are looking to deepen their understanding of function notation and its applications in theoretical contexts.

Swamp Thing
Insights Author
Messages
1,045
Reaction score
775
What does the semicolon mean in the notation for a function like G(r1, r2; z) ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In what context is this ? Can you link to the original source ?
 
I think ( though not 100% sure ) that the semicolon is used in these examples to separate variables from parameters; for example, in G(r1,r2;z), the z is a complex parameter which you choose to be of a specific value ( and which doesn't vary within the function ), whereas r1 and r2 are actual variables in the Green's function. If we were talking about computer programming, this would be analogous to the difference between constants and variables.

Let's wait for one of the experts here to confirm or correct this, though.
 
Thanks !
 

Thread 'Two equivalent statements of time reversal symmetric Hamiltonian'

Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad Understanding the Semicolon Usage in Meijer's G-Function Notation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Semicolon notation in component of covariant derivative
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Elementary question about comparing notations of inner product
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Undergrad What is this notation D|(n;n')|, and how to solve it?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Equations Using Comma-Goto-Semicolon Rule in Curved Spacetime
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Confusion about Dirac Notation (interferometer)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Confusion with Dirac notation in the eigenvalue problem
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Minimize grand potential functional for density matrix
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Question about Notation of Function
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
What does this derivative notation mean in Goldstein's Classical Mech?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K