## Is writing m=undefinedm=\text{undefined} formally correct?

I often find some of my students write m=undefined in their answer sheets. Is it formally correct? Should I suggest them to write m is undefined instead? For example the question is Determine the slope m for a line passing through (1,2) and (1,1). Use the previously explained equation m=y2−y1x2−x1. m=2−11−1=10=undefined Should I suggest them … Read more

## Bad style to write “n∈Nn\in\mathbb N”?

Is it bad style to use n∈N as a shortcut/abbreviation for “n is natural number” in a context where one does not deal with sets and elements in particular? For example: “For all m,n∈N we have m+n=n+m.” Should one write “For all natural numbers m, n we have m+n=n+m.” instead? Answer It’s perfectly common notation. … Read more

## Soft question regarding math theses [closed]

Closed. This question needs to be more focused. It is not currently accepting answers. Want to improve this question? Update the question so it focuses on one problem only by editing this post. Closed 1 year ago. Improve this question I’m currently in high school and I am wondering about how math papers a formated. … Read more

## How to tell an audience that in a chain of composable morphisms some of the domains and codomains may be equal?

Stylistic question. In category theory, if you have to write about sequences of the form ⋯f2→o2f1→o1f0→o0, and you have to tell readers that there may be some equalities oi=oj between objects, i<j, but that this is inessential and all that matters is that none of the fi is an identity arrow, what would you write? … Read more

## When to write something in terms of axioms?

Most mathematical structures are defined according to axioms. e.g. we state: Definition. Monoid. A monoid is a tuple (S,\cdot) where \cdot is a binary operation S\times S\to S that satisfies the following axioms: Axiom 1. Associativity. For all a, b, c \in S, it holds that (a\cdot b)\cdot c=a\cdot (b\cdot c) Axiom 2. Identity element. … Read more

## Should I put interpunction after formulas?

I am presently doing my first substantial piece of mathematical writing, hence this, probably somewhat silly, question. How does display-style mathematics interact with punctuation? More precisely, suppose I have an sentence like From the above considerations, it follows that $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$. As long as the equation is in one line, it is … Read more

## What kind of definitions need be introduced in a PhD thesis? [closed]

Closed. This question is opinion-based. It is not currently accepting answers. Want to improve this question? Update the question so it can be answered with facts and citations by editing this post. Closed 7 years ago. Improve this question For all the terminology in mathematics, I am not sure where to draw a line between … Read more

## Use of the word “shall” in mathematical writing [closed]

Closed. This question does not meet Mathematics Stack Exchange guidelines. It is not currently accepting answers. Want to improve this question? Update the question so it’s on-topic for Mathematics Stack Exchange. Closed 7 years ago. Improve this question Sometimes I really want to use the word “shall” in my writing. But I get unnerved because … Read more

## Publishing an article after a book?

If I first publish an article, afterward I may publish a book containing materials from the article. What’s about the reverse: If I first publish a book does it make sense to publish its fragment as an article AFTERWARD? Answer “If I first publish a book does it make sense to publish its fragment as … Read more

## Learning to write the style of mathematics texts

When learning how to write articles in mathematics (in style of articles published in journals) is there a good reference listing things like common outlines, style guides, phrases, common mistakes etc. Both books and websites are welcome. Let me know if I need to clarify myself. (I know about LaTeX and a fair bit of … Read more