Math & Science ⇒ Denoting matrices and vectors

[niles]

Hi guys

In all the math-books I've read, the authors denote their vectors and matrices differently: Some make them both bold, some only make the vectors bold and leave the matrices and some double-underline the matrices, i.e.

v, M
v, M
....

Is there a standard on what to choose? If not, then how do you do it?

Sincerely,
Niles.

[localghost]

This seems to be a language (or culture?) specific matter. Looking at the according articles on Wikipedia you seem to be partly right [1,2]. In my language (German), vectors are always represented by lowercase letters in italic shape like in normal math mode with an arrow on top. Matrices are mostly written as upright and bold faced capitals in opposite to the notation on Wikipedia. They are enclosed electively between brackets or parenthesis whereas the latter one is the most common way to write them. But I also know the double underlined notation from lectures at my former university (and I don't like it). This is derived from a notation where vectors are written as underlined lowercase letters. The double underline symbolizes the two dimensions (rows and columns) of a matrix which is often called a tensor. In such institutions the notation seems to depend on personal habits of the professors. In these years I got to know some really weird notations. So it seems that there is no consistency, and much less across language borders. Thus it is not easy to advice.

[1] Euclidian vector - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] Matrix (mathematics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Best regards
Thorsten

[niles]

Hmm, yes, I think you are right. I guess I am just going to use the same notation as my teacher does.

Thanks.