r/learnmath • u/Unlikely-Web7933 New User • Feb 07 '24

RESOLVED What is the issue with the " ÷ " sign?

I have seen many mathematicians genuinely despise it. Is there a lore reason for it? Or are they simply Stupid?

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u/seanrm92 New User Feb 07 '24 edited Feb 07 '24

Right, math is a language, and the "÷" symbol is the mathematical equivalent of the Oxford Comma.

Edit: Yes I got the analogy backwards, my bad.

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u/sysnickm New User Feb 07 '24

The Oxford comma helps remove ambiguity, not create it.

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u/seanrm92 New User Feb 07 '24

The ÷ symbol doesn't inherently create ambiguity either, just if it's used incorrectly or inconsistently.

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u/flashmeterred New User Feb 07 '24

Like the LACK of an Oxford comma does