this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2025
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Science Memes

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[–] laserm@lemmy.world 25 points 5 days ago (3 children)

Why would a mathematician use j for imaginary numbers and why would engineer be mad at them?

[–] CyanideShotInjection@lemmy.world 24 points 5 days ago (1 children)

The only thing I can think of is that the OP studied electrical engineering at some point. But it's a 4chan story so probably fake anyway.

[–] dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 5 days ago
[–] prex@aussie.zone 10 points 5 days ago

I think it might be the wrong way around: Engineers like to use j for imaginary numbers because i is needed for current.

[–] AlboTheGuy 8 points 5 days ago

Mathematicians are taught to be elastic with notation, because they tend to be taught many different interpretations of the same theory.

On the other hand engineers use more strict and consistent notation, their classes have a more practical approach.

Using the same notation makes it faster to read and apply math, a more agile approach helps with learning new theories and approaches and with being creative.