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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What do these small numbers like powers but are below mean?

I have encountered those small numbers that are like exponents but are beneath numbers instead of above. What do they Mean? $$x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_n$$
Mohamed Technology
  • 33
3
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0 answers

Use of meta-variables in defining mathematical notation

After finishing my undergrad degree earlier this year, I've decided to go back and type up the sum total of all my math notes in one huge TeX document, with the goal of putting together a single cohesive reference for myself of everything I learned.…
M. Sperling
  • 733
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Long standing doubtful proofs of a conjecture

Kepler's conjecture concerning sphere packing is famous for having a proof, where referees got persuaded only after formal verification. Are there any other proofs originally claimed in full on paper, which went through similar process from doubt to…
Ilk
  • 282
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1 answer

Paris VI or ENS Lyon for master's student interested in algebra?

I have the opportunity to study in France during the forthcoming autumn, either at Paris VI (6), or at ENS Lyon, and I have trouble deciding which offer I should take. I'm mainly interested in algebra (commutative algebra, representation theory and…
DanielF
  • 53
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2 answers

where to go for help solving specific math problems

I'm a software engineer and while my math is ok it's not great. From time to time I run into the need to solve a problem that is beyond my abilities. They are generally of the rearrange this formula so x is the output type. And generally highly…
Gordon Wrigley
  • 221
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1 answer

The difficulty of define a precise definition?

How do a mathematician "come up with" a good definition? How long does it take? Is there any strategy to shorten the time it take? I'm not very good at math, but from my understanding the most important part in math is definition. It took me some…
Kindred
  • 229
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Relative weight-age of the Mathematical concepts and ideas.

My question has its roots in the following question that I had asked earlier: Prove that the sum of digits of $(999...9)^{3}$ (cube of integer with $n$ digits $9$) is $18n$ Now while going through some classical texts on Number Theory, I had come…
user356774
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1 answer

How to bridge the compatability gap between different types of thinker?

Do you have any general advice to productively discuss mathematics with others who have a different view? I mean for example algebraic thinkers and geometric thinkers. I don't want to isolate someone by forcing discussions to be framed in my own…
user58512
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1 answer

Am I just not smart enough to do analysis?

I'm a fairly new student in pure math, in my second year of studying analysis. In my first year, I took courses on basic real analysis using Rudin, and this year, I'm taking classes on measure theory (using Folland) and probability theory (using…
Mog
  • 279
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Does "Higher Math" Ease up Computationally?

I am a high school student considering the possibility of one day majoring in pure math. Today I happened to be looking over how to perform inverse trigonometric operations without the use of mathematical software (Precalculus). Once you understand…
CaptainAmerica16
  • 687
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Can you self-teach yourself Mathematics?

If you are not a natural genius, can you teach yourself Mathematics (through textbooks) enough to make a successful mathematical career?
George E. Humby
  • 75
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2 answers

Topological concepts in finite dimensional vector spaces

If one were to read into the first chapters of a book of functional analysis, an encounter of topological concepts would be unavoidable. I found it interesting, since functional analysis can be roughly considered as the analysis of infinite…
EpsilonDelta
  • 2,079
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Why is Rudin's real and complex analysis considered esoteric?

I glanced over the fist few chapters. This book seems quite standard. Proofs are written in a "user-friendly" manner expanding on details that should be obvious to graduate students. Why do most Professors avoid using this book as if it's some sort…
Daniel Li
  • 3,200
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Learning and practicing advanced materials

I'm a first year grad student. I feel that practice problems/examples have been one of the most effective ways to enhance learning of new material. However, there are often no "problem set" for more advanced topics (e.g. papers in a specialized…
Daniel Li
  • 3,200
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How you review the contents which you have learnt several month before?

I wonder if anyone of you have an experience that you take a course like linear algebra or multivariable calculus in a semester and when you go to the second semester, you find many special detail has faded out and just the general idea remained. I…
Johnny
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