Compare the possible meanings
| Notation | Typical meaning | How to identify it |
|---|---|---|
⟨u,v⟩ | Inner product | Linear algebra |
⟨a,b⟩ | Ordered tuple | Logic or computer science |
⟨X⟩ | Average or expectation | Physics convention |
⟨S⟩ | Object generated by S | Algebra |
⟨ψ|φ⟩ | Bra-ket inner product | Quantum mechanics |
Examples
- ⟨u,v⟩=0 can express orthogonality.
- ⟨a,b⟩ may preserve order unlike {a,b}.
- The meaning of ⟨S⟩ must follow the field convention.
How to decide
Inspect the number and type of arguments, nearby vertical bars, and the mathematical field.
How to verify the interpretation
Expand the notation using the local definition and check the resulting object type.