Re: Series[log[x], {x, 0, 3}]
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg119201] Re: Series[log[x], {x, 0, 3}]
- From: Murray Eisenberg <murray at math.umass.edu>
- Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 05:54:24 -0400 (EDT)
I agree that in many instances, using something of the form f@x may seem at odds with traditional mathematical notation. (Although it's still useful in avoiding the eye-nuisance of nested brackets in a construction such as g[f[x]].) But something of the form g@f[x] is very natural from the viewpoint of traditional mathematical notation: the "@" is reminiscent of the circle operator denoting functional composition. Usually, using @ seems to be a matter of either stressing a particular meaning or else making an expression easier to read. (Making an expression easier to type is hardly ever the reason I, at least, would use @.) On 5/24/2011 5:59 AM, Helen Read wrote: > On 5/23/2011 6:24 AM, Bill Rowe wrote: >> On 5/22/11 at 6:55 AM, hszhao.cn at gmail.com (Hongsheng Zhao) wrote: >> >> While I cannot speak for DrMajorBob, my reason for using the >> notation f@x rather than f[x] is primarily readability. Constrast >> >> Sqrt[Abs[Sin[x]]] >> >> with Sqrt[Abs@Sin@x] >> >> Both do the same, but for me, it is easier to see what the >> second form does than the first. Deeply nested brackets are more >> difficult for me to read. And there is the additional factor of >> less typing required for the second form. > > Each to his/her own. Personally I far prefer the nested brackets, which > to me is more readable -- it's closer to familiar written mathematical > notation, and it's clear where each function ends. > > And I don't see how the @ sign results in any less typing. > > @ requires pressing two keys simultaneously, Shift+2 > > [ ] requires two keys (one at a time), the [ and ] > or two keys simultaneously Alt+] to get matched brackets > > -- Murray Eisenberg murray at math.umass.edu Mathematics & Statistics Dept. Lederle Graduate Research Tower phone 413 549-1020 (H) University of Massachusetts 413 545-2859 (W) 710 North Pleasant Street fax 413 545-1801 Amherst, MA 01003-9305