Better Grades math standard
Our default is simple: lowercase italic variables, named inputs, explicit units, and capital letters only when a standard mathematical role justifies them.
Default alphabet
Use lowercase italic letters unless the context gives a stronger convention.
Use t as the independent variable for time-dependent quantities.
State the starting index; do not rely on whether natural numbers include zero.
Define their role locally; keep them lowercase for generic scalars.
Use lowercase names for ordinary functions and always show the input when ambiguity is possible.
Reserve this pair for a linear model when using y=mx+b.
Define them before using du, dv, or integration by parts.
Use lowercase r for an ordinary radius; R is reserved for an outer radius or Taylor remainder.
Capital letters may name sets when membership or set operations make that role explicit.
Capital letters name points; the middle letter in an angle name identifies its vertex.
Reserved capitals
Area, amount, a named set, or a traditional standard-form coefficient when the page defines that role.
A named set or a traditional standard-form coefficient only when that role is being discussed.
The arbitrary constant of integration, a traditional standard-form coefficient, or a named contextual quantity explicitly defined on the page.
A named antiderivative, implicit relation, cumulative function, or physical force explicitly defined on the page.
A named integral used to collect a cyclic integration equation.
A limit value, linearization, arc length, or explicitly named bound.
A documented maximum derivative bound in an error estimate.
A named proposition in a logic statement.
A named proposition in a logic statement.
A Taylor remainder or the outer radius in the washer method.
Surface area or a sequence of partial sums.
Volume.
Work.
Derivative notation
An instruction to differentiate the expression that follows with respect to x.
The derivative of dependent variable y with respect to independent variable x.
The first derivative of f, evaluated at x.
Dot notation is reserved for differentiation with respect to time.
Editorial enforcement