- #1
LightbulbSun
- 64
- 2
Example:
Acceleration= distance / time ^ 2
Acceleration= distance / time ^ 2
What is the symbol used for exponentiation in different programming languages?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the symbol used for exponentiation across different programming languages, exploring its usage in various contexts, including mathematics, calculators, and programming environments.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the caret (^) symbol is commonly understood to mean "to the power of" in informal contexts.
- Others argue that the caret is not a standard mathematical or physics symbol, but rather a workaround for writing superscripts in environments where they are not available.
- It is noted that the caret is used in some calculators and spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.
- Some participants mention that the caret notation for exponentiation originated from BASIC, while FORTRAN uses the double asterisk (**) for the same purpose.
- Python is identified as another language that uses the double asterisk (**) for exponentiation.
- There is a mention that in some programming languages, the caret symbol may represent exclusive or (XOR) instead of exponentiation.
- One participant claims that the caret notation is well enough institutionalized to be considered standard notation, despite historical figures like Newton and Euler not recognizing it.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the status of the caret symbol as a standard notation, with some asserting its informal acceptance while others emphasize its non-standard nature. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the universality of the symbol across programming languages.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations regarding the definitions of "standard" notation and the contexts in which different symbols are used, as well as the potential for confusion with other operators in programming languages.
- #2
nicksauce
Science Advisor
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In that context it presumably means "to the power of".
- #3
LightbulbSun
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nicksauce said:
Thanks.
- #4
HallsofIvy
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It is NOT a standard mathematics (or physics) symbol but is used on the internet when you aren't able to write superscripts.
- #5
Math Is Hard
Staff Emeritus
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HallsofIvy said:
It's also used on some calculators, and some spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.
- #6
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And in TeX and in Matlab and in Mathematica and ...Math Is Hard said:
However, in some computer languages it means exclusive or.
- #7
Tac-Tics
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HallsofIvy said:
It's well enough institutionalized you could call it standard notation. No, Newton and Euler wouldn't know what it meant, but anyone who's ever used a hand calculator would.
- #8
Mark44
Mentor
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The ^ notation for exponentiation came out of BASIC. FORTRAN uses ** for the same purpose, but most other high-level programming languages that I know of don't have a corresponding operator.
- #9
Mensanator
- 105
- 0
Mark44 said:
Python uses ** for exponentiation.
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