Talk:Symmetry in mathematics

Errors

The article is not about symmetry in mathematics. It is about symmetric functions with respect to permutation of arguments. The first section gives a definition, next sections are just examples of symmetric functions.

In particular section "in geometry" is an example of symmetric function of three cartesian coordinates, but it is not the definition of a symmetry in geometry. For example reflection against line y=5x+2 is not a symmetry according to this section.

Section "Symmetry in probability theory" is a bit strange as well. For example normal distribution is called symmetric distribution, but according to this section and "Randomness" section it is not symmetric. Well, normal distribution is not an example of symmetry with respect to permutation.

The only thing not connected to the symmetric functions is the first sentence, which states, the article is about something defined in the other article. Best, Olaf (talk) 21:30, 5 September 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Assessment comment

The comment(s) below were originally left at Talk:Symmetry in mathematics/Comments, and are posted here for posterity. Following several discussions in past years, these subpages are now deprecated. The comments may be irrelevant or outdated; if so, please feel free to remove this section.

Needs shorter intro; more on history, examples, applications, links with group theory. Tompw 17:06, 5 October 2006 (UTC)[reply]

This article is hard to read. - grubber 18:09, 25 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Agree with the comments on examples and more detail. Try using symmetry in images and objects such as snow flakes, cart wheels etc to give a more accessible (but basic) introductionKholmes1 (talk) 08:37, 16 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Last edited at 08:37, 16 June 2008 (UTC). Substituted at 02:37, 5 May 2016 (UTC)

Mathematics indeed

Yes the article is indeed about symmetry in mathematics: this is the title of the Wikipedia article (Symmetry_in_mathematics). Symmetric functions, symmetry in geometry, symmetry in probability theory, and many other kinds of symmetries, are all instances of a general unifying definition of symmetry in mathematics. In the references list there is a permalink to a journal article presenting this unifying mathematical definition: ^[1]. About the normal law, it is a case of indirect symmetry (reflection around the mean value). May be the Symmetry_in_mathematics page could be bettered, but it should not be confused with the Symmetry page.

References

^ Petitjean, Michel (2007). "A definition of symmetry". Symmetry: Culture and Science. 18 (2–3): 99–119. Zbl 1274.58003.

[1] Petitjean, Michel (2007). "A definition of symmetry". Symmetry: Culture and Science. 18 (2–3): 99–119. Zbl 1274.58003.

[1]