Separating arguments of a function: Difference between revisions
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For example, \(f(x,y)\) is the application of a function \(f\) to two arguments, \(x\) and \(y\). | For example, \(f(x,y)\) is the application of a function \(f\) to two arguments, \(x\) and \(y\). | ||
When the convention for number notation is to use a comma as the decimal separator, this can lead to an ambiguity when the arguments are numbers. | When the convention for number notation is to use a comma as the decimal separator, this can lead to an ambiguity when the arguments are numbers.<ref>[https://mathstodon.xyz/@christianp/107282002688892264 Toot by Christian Lawson-Perfect], [https://twitter.com/christianp/status/1460282403495284740 Tweet by Christian Lawson-Perfect]</ref> | ||
For example, is \(f(1,2)\) the application of a function of one argument, or two? | For example, is \(f(1,2)\) the application of a function of one argument, or two? | ||
Latest revision as of 13:00, 20 November 2021
In English, a comma normally separates components of a bracketed list, such as the arguments of a function.
For example, \(f(x,y)\) is the application of a function \(f\) to two arguments, \(x\) and \(y\).
When the convention for number notation is to use a comma as the decimal separator, this can lead to an ambiguity when the arguments are numbers.[1]
For example, is \(f(1,2)\) the application of a function of one argument, or two?
Instead, a common convention is to use a semicolon as the item separator.
For example, \(f(1;2)\) is unambiguously a function of two arguments.
Others use spacing to separate items, in addition to a comma, such as \(f(1,\, 2)\). (but Space is significant!)
