[Math] What does the word “result” mean in a mathematical context

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The way mathematicians use the word "result" is quite unfamiliar and unusual in the viewpoint of non-mathematicians. Although I know that "results" usually mean theorems and prepositions that have been proven, I struggle to define the word exactly. Whenever I write something like "This result in complex analysis is very enlightening", somebody will ask me "are you sure this is a correct use of the word 'result'?", and I will struggle to explain what I mean by this word.

What exactly does the word "result" mean in mathematics?

There are few synonyms of the word "theorem" other than "result". Maybe the word "result" plays a role in reducing the repetitiveness of "theorems"?

Best Answer

A result is the outcome of some process. As you indicated, mathematicians often call theorems results, since they are the outcomes of investigations. So, it's quite right to say something like There's is a result in complex variables to the effect that, etc.

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