2 replies to this topic

[gasto]

I want to know if any of you know a really good math book, or internet article on basic mathematical notation. To learn notation like:

http://en.wikipedia....iki/Math_symbol

Any help is really appreciated. I don't have a strong mathematical background, so I know a lot of concepts because of programming, but when reading strictly mathematical books, I feel lost of the terminology used.

[Reedbeta]

The trouble with math notation is that math is very broad, with many different subfields, and each subfield has notation specific to it, which is pretty irrelevant for anyone not working in that field. The page you linked to has a lot of that kind of thing on it; while many of the symbols are standard symbols that are used throughout mathematics, many of them are very area-specific things that you likely won't ever see or care about.

Generally I think the way to learn the notation for a specific field you're interested in (e.g. calculus) is to get an introductory textbook on that subject and read it. It will teach you the notation in parallel with the mathematics (and really, you can't usefully learn the notation without also understanding the mathematics being notated).

Is there any specific terminology you're having trouble with?

[onyxthedog]

One good reference book is Schaum's Outlines Mathematical Handbook by McGraw Hill. It was written in like '65, but my dad needed it in the 80's and 90's for his college classes. You kind of need to know some terminology, but if you need a formula then this is the book for you.