Words or symbols for algebra?
A scholar knows precise ideas need abbreviation, but his readers learned prose. The decision: write his equations in the full clear sentences everyone understands, or invent shortened symbols that cut the work but need new learning?
The positions
the prose party
writing in words is read everywhere with no key
The evidence
al-Khwarizmi wrote in sentences and every reader learned
Sources: concept/algebraperson/al-khwarizmi
the symbolers
the symbol shortens a page to a line and shows the structure
The evidence
symbols later grew until they became mathematics' language
Sources: concept/algebra
You decide
Which way would you have written had you invented a new science? Write your reason.
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