All Questions
13 questions
90
votes
14
answers
9k
views
Time-saving (technology) tricks for writing papers
I have over the years learned some tricks which saves a lot of time,
and I wish I had known them earlier. Some tricks are LaTeX-specific, but other tricks are more general. Let me start with a few ...
22
votes
7
answers
2k
views
Examples of (Git) open math (texts) projects
I am an active part of a research project on the positive effects of open math projects on the community. With open math projects I have in mind a particular thing, namely a GIT project on mathematics ...
54
votes
12
answers
4k
views
Examples of advance via good definitions
In my research I came across a case where I could derive a known theorem with rather straightforward way by choosing "non-standard" definitions using my knowledge from a related field. This particular ...
54
votes
34
answers
14k
views
Most intriguing mathematical epigraphs
Good epigraphs may attract more readers. Sometimes it is necessary.
Usually epigraphs are interesting but not intriguing.
To pick up an epigraph is some kind of nearly mathematical problem: it ...
87
votes
33
answers
24k
views
Parodies of abstruse mathematical writing
Perhaps under the influence of a recent question
on perverse sheaves,
in conjunction with the impending $\pi$-day (3/14/15 at 9:26:53),
I recalled a long-ago parody of abstruse mathematical language
...
23
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Writing Mathematics : Linking words
I'm trying to write mathematics in English and I'm clearly missing something : linking words. I'm writing "so, we get", "Observe that" too many times and I'm afraid to use some expressions : "it ...
185
votes
127
answers
65k
views
Most memorable titles
Given the vast number of new papers / preprints that hit the internet everyday, one factor that may help papers stand out for a broader, though possibly more casual, audience is their title. This view ...
53
votes
20
answers
28k
views
Math paper authors' order
It seems in writing math papers collaborators put their names in the alphabetical order of their last name. Is this a universal accepted norm? I could not find a place putting this down formally.
114
votes
19
answers
42k
views
What is the definition of "canonical"?
I just received a referee report criticizing that I would too often use the word "canonical". I have a certain understanding of what "canonical" should stand for, but the report ...
129
votes
19
answers
70k
views
Periods and commas in mathematical writing
I just realized that I am a barbarian when it comes to writing. But I am not entirely sure, so this might be the right place to ask. When typing display-mode formulae do you guys add a period after ...
49
votes
23
answers
9k
views
Great mathematical figures and/or diagrams?
Most math papers have few figures, if any, although sometimes a well-chosen figure can be a tremendous help in understanding mathematical concepts. Does anyone have any examples of notable uses of ...
35
votes
12
answers
8k
views
How to write math well?
Let's learn about writing good mathematical texts.
For some people it could be especially interesting to answer about writing texts on Math Overflow, though I personally feel like I've already ...
200
votes
89
answers
54k
views
Examples of great mathematical writing
This question is basically from Ravi Vakil's web page, but modified for Math Overflow.
How do I write mathematics well? Learning by example is more helpful than being told what to do, so let's try to ...