# Unusual notation

Discussion in 'Undergraduate Math' started by khosaa, Mar 4, 2011.

1. ### khosaaGuest

Hi,

I came across a notation in the text "Mathematical Analysis" by Malik
I can't recall ever seeing. It seems he is defining a function using a
symbol which is like a "left corner", i.e. |__ , so f(x) = |__ where
the argument, x, is on top of the underscore. Since I can't write a
letter with an underscore here, I'll write f(x) = (|__)(x). In neither
the appendices or introduction does he appear to define this notation.

This is in a section about sequences (pg 83, to be specific), where
Malik is defining the members of a sequence {a_n} as :

a_n = ( |__ )(3n) / [(|__)(n)]^3 where n is a natural number.

I'd say it was something like a floor function, but this wouldn't make
any sense in the context of this problem since all of the quantities
he is considering are integers.

Thnaks,
Fran

khosaa, Mar 4, 2011

2. ### Ray VicksonGuest

I saw in a late 19th Century algebra book the notation you cite as an
alternate to the factorial notation; that is, |_(n) = n! in modern
notation.

R.G. Vickson

Ray Vickson, Mar 4, 2011

Ask a Question

## Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.