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So I've always thought that "$\Delta$" when applied to an n-tuple or scalar was the change of that n-tuple or scalar relative to a previous state in time and proportional to the amount of time or $\Delta \bf{x}=\frac{\bf{x_u}-\bf{x_i}}{t_u-t_i}$ so I always wrote the acceleration of a mass as $\Delta^2 M_p$ but now I am unsure whether this is in fact correct. My question is: What are all of the different ways Delta can be used as well as am I using it correctly?

Qmechanic
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god of llamas
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  • The proposed duplicate doesn't actually address the question as the OP is interested in the distinction between $\Delta$ meaning "difference of" and $\Delta = \nabla^2$. Of course, I generaly don't write $\Delta$ when I mean $\nabla^2$, but that is a matter of preference. – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Sep 10 '15 at 18:29
  • That said, llama, please read the hove-over text when picking tags. For instance the one about mathematical-physics says "DO NOT USE THIS TAG just because your question involves math!". – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Sep 10 '15 at 18:31
  • @dmckee I did and from what I understood of its blurry in meaning hover-text, this question is about a part of maths that is a fundamental basis for physics... tell me how you think it was supposed to be interpretted if you do not agree (which you clearly don't). – god of llamas Sep 10 '15 at 21:44
  • Mathematical physics is not about the math you need to do physics, it is about the mathematical structure of physics which is a deeper and more difficult thing by a long way. You're asking about the meaning of a notation which is certainly not "the mathematically rigorous study of the foundations of physics". – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Sep 10 '15 at 21:49
  • @dmckee ahh okay thanks. Would maths be a better/more fitting place for this question then? – god of llamas Sep 10 '15 at 22:04
  • I'm not clear on the scope of [math.se], so I am hesitant to recommend ask this there. Check out their tour and and [faq] question on their meta. – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Sep 10 '15 at 22:06

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