Talk:Integer Divisor Results

Quick question: does $n\backslash m=\frac{m}{n}$ or am I interpreting it backwards? I ask since I am used to $m/n=\frac{m}{n}$.

No, see the link to Definition:Divisor where it's explained (and referenced) as being a modern replacement for the overused "|". (I'm an ardent follower of Knuth.) $m \backslash n$ means "$m$ is a divisor of $n$". --Matt Westwood 05:35, 12 October 2008 (UTC)

Oh, okay, sweet. --cynic 18:58, 12 October 2008 (UTC)

Okay by you if I replace any instances of "|" with $\backslash$ as and when I find them? Reckon it's worth being as up-to-date in our notation and terminology as possible. I have a dream of this site being cutting-edge ... --Matt Westwood 19:12, 12 October 2008 (UTC)

Fine by me. --Joe 00:30, 13 October 2008 (UTC)

Go ahead. We should probably put both in the symbols list though. Thoughts on which category they fall into? --cynic 03:11, 13 October 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, the symbols and stuff really needs to be kept up to date. Loads to do. I'd put backslash into Number Theory, or perhaps we should start a section for Discrete Mathematics. --Matt Westwood 05:22, 13 October 2008 (UTC)

Hey, I"m just curious as to when using \ has become the popular choice for the divides symbol. I've never seen it before and just curious if you have any references to this in text. --Joe 15:47, 15 October 2008 (UTC)

See the reference in the link to Definition:Divisor. It's used extensively by Knuth who has lots of other good ideas about notation. My view is that if there's a new style round the corner or at the bleeding edge, then we ought to take advantage of it. We'll get rep for being up to the minute. --Matt Westwood 17:32, 15 October 2008 (UTC)

Sounds good! --Joe 17:45, 15 October 2008 (UTC)