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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Is there a name for family of these "well behaved" functions.

I am looking for right nomenclature for functions that exhibit following two properties $\max f(x_1,\cdots,x_n)<\infty$ $f(x_1,\cdots,x_n)\rightarrow 0 \quad \text{as}\quad x_i>N_i, \quad \forall \quad N_i\in R$ Gaussian function is one such…
NAASI
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Do n dimensional things live in at least n+1 dimensions?

Years ago in math class I thought I heard that n dimensional objects live in n + 1 dimensional space. So a point must at least exist on a line. A line must at least exist on a plane. A plane must at least exist in a three dimensional space. Is this…
ash
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Could you explain why we can assume infinity in limits? (if at all?)

I am working on a proof of in which I have to assume infinity. Am I allowed to assume the reader is familiar with how limits work?
Cro-Magnon
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Natural example to "negative $\times$ negative = positive"

Please help me to find some natural example of the meaning of a negative $\times$ negative = positive, except velocity, distance etc in physics. Simplest example to mind is $$a(t) \times v(t)$$ but I am looking for a something else. Thanks in…
Khosrotash
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Is LA a prereq for AA?

I just finished an elementary number theory book and I'm wondering if I can start abstract algebra right away or do I have to learn some linear algebra first ?
Adam
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A question about education system

This question is because of an ongoing discussion which we have these days in Iran. The problem is about, so called, "Tizhooshan" (=very smart students) schools in Iran. for these high schools, they hold an entrance exam (for students of age 12)…
Payam Seraji
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Soft - What is it recommended to learn for four years study at university?

I list in the following some main branches of mathematics that I have already heard spoken. I would like to know that, for a student who would like to become a good researcher in pure mathematics, In which level and in what order is recommended to…
ZENG
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Meaning of irrationality of a constant

What is the meaning, when it is the irrationality of a constant? I understand that irrational means can't be represent as a fraction.
Toy
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Appendix B2 of Fourier Analysis on Groups by Walter Rudin

In Appendix B2 of Fourier Analysis on Groups by Walter Rudin one can read: A homomorphism of a group $G$ into a group $G_1$ is a map $\phi$ of $G$ into $G_1$ such that $$\phi\left(x+y\right)=\phi\left(x\right)+\phi\left(y\right)\qquad\left(x,y\in…
wjmolina
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Solving Double Equations

So everyone knows (I hope) how to solve equations like $5x-2=4$ however how would you solve equations like $2x-1=3x-2=4x$. How, do you manipulate the equation? I've tried to use the common algebra rules however they don't work in these cases.
Latin Wolf
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Results that seem trivial, but are not

I saw the Cayley-Hamilton theorem Let $\mathbf{A}$ be a $n\times n$-matrix, and $p(\lambda)=\det(\lambda \mathbf{I}_n-\mathbf{A})$ the characteristic polynomial of $\mathbf{A}$. Then $p(\mathbf{A})=\mathbf{0}$ and I thought it was trivial since…
cansomeonehelpmeout
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Theme for presentation about culture of mathematic

I'm looking for theme for short presentation about culture of mathematic. Somethng that sholud be understandable for everyone who is interested with math. For example on previous lesson we have listened about Ramanujan.
Hikicianka
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How much should a mathematician be confined in their studies?

How much should a mathematician confine themselves to a particular area if they are to be successful? My main discipline is PDE however, I have a heart for computer science too. I am wondering if I should work to get my knowledge in the ladder area…
user522521
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A question about mathematical logic and proof theory

Learning math every day I still cannot answer one question: do my proofs complete, or, have I missed some special case? In order to answer that I am going go through some logic books and the books about the proof theory, as I hope to get answers…
jupiter_jazz
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Soft question - Best practices for writing math on squared paper

As an adult relearning Mathematics, I have found that when I write on paper there is no consistency for how many squares I use for fractions, using capital or small letters, sizes of subscript etc. Is there some resource which to practice creating…
Skarlinski
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