Use of the letters in mathematics
The mathematicians exposing a reasoning must often introduce into their talk of the mathematical objects (numbers, but also matrices, functions, and even often of the elements which one is unaware of nature) well defined, but whose characteristics are not known. In the case of a number, this number can have a value which will remain unknown throughout the talk, or even the talk will have to remain valid for a whole whole of possible values. It does not remain about it less than this number remains equal to itself from one line to another.
Generally, these objects are indicated by letters. Generally, it is the Latin alphabet which is employed in priority. The Greek alphabet old is also employed, but not for the teaching of elementary mathematics. There is nevertheless no general rule on the alphabet to be used, nor on breakage (distinction between capital letters and tiny). Certain pedagogs can pose their general own rules on the letters to be used according to the objects. A rather traditional convention is that a matrix will be indicated by a capital letter.
Some letters have fixed significances. For example, the software Maple gives values known in advance and prohibited modification to letters I (Complex number whose square is worth -1; it is an example of variation of conventions, because one much more often finds an I tiny for this number), π and E (the last versions ceased this protection and recommend to employ the expression exp (1) to indicate this number).
| Random links: | Thane Alexander Campbell | Pitch and Putt | Vladimir Fedotov | Jules Courvoisier | Bill Edwards | Helena_Suková |