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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 is the value of an Infinitesimal?

In the regular type of math "0.999..." is the same thing as the value 1. In some other different kind of math they say that "0.999..." is not the same thing as the value 1. Where 1 is > "0.999..." So 1 - "0.999..." = "0.000...1" My question is what…
Neil
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Going to graduate school in applied mathematics without having taken a topology course?

Due to a critical course conflict, I won't be able to take any topology or geometry courses before I graduate. However, I plan to go to graduate school in [applied] mathematics. Will this hinder me significantly in admissions? I am sure it will not…
evan jefferson
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Examples of real world situations where mathemematical rigour is needed

I had a discussion with a friend about the need of mathematical rigour in the real world. He argues that little rigour is needed for the "application of mathematical results.Mathemticiians complicate 'obvious facts'. I don't agree with the idea…
Hashir Omer
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Largest number that can be written using N characters

I remember reading in RPF's biographical book, "Surely you're joking Mr. Feynman" that he used to have timed contest about writing down the biggest number using standard symbols. Instead of the time restriction, I was wondering what if we restrict…
Derek Scavo
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Soft Question-Will P/NP Grade Option matter a lot?

Currently I enroll in Second Course in Abstract Algebra. I don't think I perform well (Two Mid-Terms show that I am in the 50% percentile range which will probably lead me to a B/B+). So I am wondering is it a good idea to switch the grade option…
scitamehtam
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Is Contest-Math Worth It?

I am very interested in Contest-based mathematics. The questions such as the ones that come up in the AMC, or AIME, USAMO and most specifically Putnam are very interesting. It is very different however from textbooks like Rudin's Analysis or Number…
Amad27
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How to write corollary of many results?

I have a few results that I want to write a corollary for, however I don't know where to include this. Should I write it under the last result as "Corollary of results A, B and C" (where C is the last result that we proved)? How is it usually done?…
Is Ne
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How to get the most of Euclid's Elements?

I have bought a sample of Euclid Elements and I wonder which will be the best way to study it. I know that it's a great classic and I dont want to miss anything. I will appreciate your help.
HeMan
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Proving "if and only if" statements

I have the following proposition: $m - n = p - q$ if and only if $m + q = n + p$. From what I understand, $A = B$ if and only if $C = D$ means two statements: if $A = B$, then $C = D$ and if $C = D$, then $A = B$. So basically, I need to…
Johnathan
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what does it actually take to become a mathematician

Does one have to be an amazing problem solver to become a mathematician or its the passion and dedication? Can every mathematician solve the IMO problems? What is required to solve IMO problems.
tapadia newlon
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Etymology of the term coherent in sheaf theory

Why has been introducted the term coherent in sheaf theory? What's its intuitive significance? In italian we translate it with the term "coerente", in the sense of compactness.
TheWanderer
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What are some things that mathematics students know, but others don't

Someone asked it on Quora and I answered to my best. What other things I can add to it, as it is well received there and carries nice information to non-mathematics people. Here is my answer Obviously I don't mean technical definition and higher…
Bhaskar Vashishth
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Request for Recommendation of a Handbook of pure Mathematics

I am looking for some books at undergrad level that give a good pedagogical coverage of of topics like topology,group theory,analysis,measure theory and probability with a nice exposition.Even books that separately cover only one or some of these…
AgnostMystic
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What does "if and only if" mean in definitions?

Consider the following definition: A sequence $\{p_n\}$ is Cauchy if we have that for every $n, m \ge N$: $$|p_n - p_m| < \epsilon$$ Although if and only if is not used, we know that if a sequence is Cauchy, the Cauchy criterion holds. Consider…
Andrew Thompson
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Catching own conceptual mistakes during tests

I am looking for strategies for catching mistakes in graduate exams eg. qualifying. The more people suggest, the better because what is obvious to you, might not be to others. Most of the advice in this site and others is about computational…
TKM
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