Is It Acceptable to Use Angle Braces in Vector Integration?

[radiogaga35]

A quick question -- is it acceptable to use angle braces when integrating a vector function, instead of expressing the vector i.t.o unit vectors?

E.g. say ∫<x,2x,3x> dx

This form seems far more convenient and suggestive than ∫ [xi + 2xj + 3xk] dx. Especially with ugly functions. However I've looked though a few textbooks and I've never seen this notation used with integration (or differentiation?) of a vector fxn...is there some reason, or is it just convention?

 

[mathman]

is there some reason, or is it just convention?

I suspect it is just convention. Math texts tend to use (a,b,c) while physics texts tend toward the i,j,k unit vector notation.

 

[tacman]

It is acceptable to use angle braces when integrating a vector function, instead of expressing the vector in terms of unit vectors. This notation is commonly used and can be more convenient and suggestive, especially when dealing with complex vector functions. However, it is important to note that this notation is not commonly used in textbooks and may not be recognized by all readers. It is ultimately a matter of personal preference and convention. Some textbooks may use this notation, while others may stick to the more traditional form of expressing the vector in terms of unit vectors. As long as the notation is clear and consistent, either form can be used in vector integration.