Math notation is a language that evolved over centuries.
The English language isn't consistent but we all seem to be able to use it to communicate here.
Same thing with maths. Some notations are holdovers from earlier eras, but we still introduce them to students in case the run into it in an older book (dx/dy for example).
And maths isn't just about computation. It's also about expressing ideas, and sometimes that is easier when the notation isn't rigidly 'executable' as some posters here would have it.
The English language isn't consistent but we all seem to be able to use it to communicate here.
Same thing with maths. Some notations are holdovers from earlier eras, but we still introduce them to students in case the run into it in an older book (dx/dy for example).
And maths isn't just about computation. It's also about expressing ideas, and sometimes that is easier when the notation isn't rigidly 'executable' as some posters here would have it.
This article also reminds me of: http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/582861-reaction-images