"We denote that symbol = math formula" is correct?

Question

Can you write "we denote that math symbol = definition of the symbol" in math essay?

I am writing an essay in mathematics. I need to define a symbol by a math formula.

E.g., when symbol X is defined as Y + Z, can you write the following sentence there?

If you can not, what is the correct expression to define a symbol with math formula?

Did you look up the definition of denote? It doesn't fit, because it means something like "represents" or "is a symbol of", and you certainly don't mean "We are a symbol of X = Y + Z". — stangdon, Aug 2 at 20:54
Please use your actual symbols and your actual formula, as much as possible. Is the formula really just Y+Z? Also since you know the word "define", please explain why you don't want to use "We define X=Y+Z". Also, who are "We"? — James K, Aug 2 at 21:37
@JamesK - "we" and 'denote' are common in formal mathematics texts. If supA ∈ A, then we also denote it by maxA and call it the maximum of A, and if inf A ∈ A, then we also denote it by minA and call it the minimum of A. — Michael Harvey, Aug 2 at 21:49
I think that the easiest way to write this is with "let", e.g.: "Let X = Y + Z." — MarcInManhattan, Aug 2 at 23:45

English Bad · Accepted Answer · 2022-08-03 03:02:15Z

0

Yes you can.

The first time you refer to a mathematical description, maximise your use of simple English words and then "translate them" into full mathematical symbology in brackets.

E.g.

In this context, "X" represents "Y plus Z" (X = Y + Z).

Note: use the quotation marks and the bracketed expression.

From then onwards, simply use their full mathematical symbology for brevity and clarity.

E.g.

Hence, when X = Y + Z, then... (etc)

answered Aug 3 at 3:02

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