Mathematics Stack Exchange
Mathematics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [soft-question]

For questions whose answers can't be objectively evaluated as correct or incorrect, but which are still relevant to this site. Please be specific about what you are after.

For questions whose answers cannot be objectively evaluated as correct or incorrect, but which are still relevant to mathematics.se.

12079 questions
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Explanation of a Phrase from Prof. Ravi Vakil's Website

I was just browsing through Ravi Vakil's website when i found a nice article written on what he demands from his students. Here is the webpage. (For those interested!) http://math.stanford.edu/~vakil/potentialstudents.html I actually found a line…
anonymous
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Should I explore every mathematical theory myself first, or is it fine to read the proofs given?

I have read a similar question posted on MSE, but honestly, I did not get the answer to what I was thinking. Suppose I am new to conic sections. Now, my book provides me an insight to what conic sections are, and their analytical focus-directrix…
codetalker
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How detailed does a proof have to be and is the format constrained to text and equations?

Given that somebody claims a proof to a problem and you ask 100 highly qualified mathematicians whether this proof is valid, will they all agree that it's valid or all claim it's invalid? In other words, is a chain of logic unique and pure? Or is it…
Wuschelbeutel Kartoffelhuhn
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In what course are the number systems typically constructed?

Abstract algebra seems to be more about general, abstract structures and patterns in mathematics, whereas number theory is more about properties of numbers and various connections that pop up between them. So what course usually takes care of…
Ius Klesar
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Is a pure mathematics degree worth it from a financial standpoint?

I know this isn't a math question but this has been on my mind for quite some time. I am a second year university student who is planning on getting a degree in pure mathematics. I really enjoy the rigour and depth of understanding that comes from…
User
  • 125
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1 answer

How to present a paper?

I am going to present several papers to an audience. I have read through all the papers and have a clear idea about them. But this is the first time I have ever presented papers, and I am guessing that many of you have done this many times. So I am…
Hui Yu
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Is a pattern proof?

Let's say I want a formula that takes any number and makes it into 170, and I come up with a formula that I think does it. If I plug 1 into it, 2 into it, 3 into it, etc. up to a pretty large number and it works, can I call the formula proven?
user169330
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1 answer

Why are fundamental theorems called fundamental?

I am just curious about some theorems that I had been used for some time. We have Fundamental Theorem on Calculus the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. In number theory we have Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic. In other fields we have other…
Jr Antalan
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The two distinct cultures in mathematics

I once read an article about two distinct culture within mathematics, "analysts" and "algebraists" when I was in high school. I am not still a graduate student, but I really want to hear what it feels to be an analyst or an algebraist. How different…
Marion Crane
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Is this a bad way of approaching math problems?

Teacher assigns a problem. I work on it for thirty minutes, then check the textbook to see if it has similar problems. Often the textbook's problems have hints that I can use to solve the original problem. Is this cheating (or otherwise a bad way…
badatmath
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What are good questions that could be used to demonstrate the nature of mathematics study?

Although I try to tell people about what we actually do in mathematics, sometimes I can't translate the activity very well. For example, when telling them that we study were do mathematical ideas come from, they usually understand it with an…
Red Banana
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Forgetting mathematics. Memory problem

I got an A from Game Theory. But after that i forgot almost all the formulas and theorems. What should i do to prevent that? Do you forget math like i do?
esege
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1 answer

What is the largest mathematics/mathematically-oriented library in the world?

Just out of curiosity, what is the largest mathematics/mathematically-oriented library in the world? Is it open to the public? I would like to visit it sometime.
user107952
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How to begin doing research

I wanna start doing my own research... I've grown somewhat restless about the regular undergraduate training - study something, solve the problems, rinse and repeat. I feel like I've had enough training up until now to start doing some thinking on…
Numbersandsoon
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How do you retain your ability for contest-like math as you take more and more advanced math courses?

From my limited experience, it seems like many people loose their ability to do contest-like math as they go trough college. For example, before I posted it here I asked a math undergrad student (who was about to finish) this and similar questions,…
Ovi
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