Van: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Namens Dan Bron
Some reactions:
* Why do you think math should be taught using standard math
notation (SMN)?
Well, it has been around for quite some decades now, so anyone is more or
less used to it. Like QWERTY as you point out.
(.)
* SMN is not some holy, god-given language for the expression
of mathematical thoughts. In fact, as John Randall is fond
of pointing out, it is an inconsistent agglutination of
notation from recent centuries.
Other men made creations lack the same and although there is more urgency to
reform them, you may be glad if they evolutionize.
* If teaching math is a way of promoting rigorous, consistent
thought, should we not use a rigorous, consistent notation?
Yes, if we could start from scratch. You are sure that APL/J would be the
best choice?
(.)
* Can you really tell me that
2
3x + 9x + 27 = 0
is superior to (3 9 27 * x ^ 2 1 0) or even (27 9 3 p. x)?
And that {big sigma, iterator declaration, bounds, indicies}
And {big pi, iterator declaration, bounds, indicies} are
preferable to +/ and */ respectively? If so, what do
you prefer to ^/ ?
Superiority is in the eye of the beholder. The preference depends on what
you are used to.
Being mathematically educated I'm (much) more used to the former (SMN), but
happier with the latter (J).
(.)
* What advantages does SMN have over APL? Obviously, it
is incumbent and widespread, which is large hurdle to
overcome (viz QWERTY). But if no one tries to overcome it,
it will rule forever, warts and all. Vive la revolucion!
Forget it. For a revolution you will need a wide spread sense of urgency,
not to mention a critical mass. We all don't live long enough to see that
happen.
(.)
R.E. Boss
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
