Definition talk:Abuse of Notation

$ \cdots $
I think the most abused notation is that of $\cdots$, especially for infinite series. This is poked at by the (not-entirely-serious) riddle: what is $(x-a)(x-b)(x-c)\cdots(x-z)$? (Answer: $0$ because it contains $(x-x)$). Maybe someone with better writing skills than me wanna add something about $\cdots$? — Timwi (talk) 21:18, 15 December 2012 (UTC)


 * Nope. --prime mover (talk) 21:18, 15 December 2012 (UTC)


 * Not a very inviting reply, but alright. — Timwi (talk) 22:29, 16 December 2012 (UTC)


 * Add the riddle to the jokes page if you like, but to categorise $\cdots$ as notation abuse is IMO not helpful. In itself it is not an abuse of notation.


 * Maybe specific instances of it are instances of abuse, but such are called "stupid mistakes by incompetent mathematicians". :-) --prime mover (talk) 22:59, 16 December 2012 (UTC)