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In a formula such as,

$$x = x_0 + v_0 \Delta t + \frac{1}{2}a_0 \Delta t^2$$

should $\Delta t^2$ be understood as “the difference of the squares,” or “the square of the difference”?

(I suggest “the difference of the squares,” and “the square of the difference” be denoted as $(\Delta t)^2$. Is there anything wrong with that?

blackened
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  • I agree, square of difference should be denoted as $(\Delta t)^2$, of the difference of the squares be denoted $\Delta (t^2)$ to avoid ambiguity. In your example though am I correct in saying it should be the square of the differences, and so $(\Delta t)^2$? It looks like a mechanics equation. – John Doe Apr 22 '17 at 15:36
  • It should be $(\Delta t)^2$, not $\Delta(t^2)$ – Mark Viola Apr 22 '17 at 15:36
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    It's ambiguous. Without any context it can mean both. – Winther Apr 22 '17 at 15:48

1 Answers1

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I suppose you write with LaTeX. I would define it as a mathoperator to automatically have a disambiguating small space between Δ and t²:

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Bernard
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  • I'd say that is cutting too thin, and may not be realized by the reader. Don't you agree? – blackened Apr 22 '17 at 16:03
  • It depends on what follows the operator, just like with log or sin. For me, the case of t² is clear enough, but it's really a matter of personal appreciation. I tend to favour lighter notations, in general. – Bernard Apr 22 '17 at 16:09