h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Are there commonly used symbols that represent these words anywhere? Couldn't find them in my googling last night, but that might well be because I wasn't looking in the right places.

Applied mathematicians use the symbol s for distance. I don't know of any special symbols for the others.

equilibrium, if we are talking scientific, is <==> or something isn't it?

Precondition. Hmm, not for that only, but I think there is some symbol between a precondition and the equation to show the relationship.

Although you said common symbols, so perhaps the ying/yang symbol for equilibrium?

The scientific symbol you refer to denotes a dynamic equilibrium only, not a static equilibrium. It is one arrow in either direction on top of each other. Each arrow only has half an arrow head. IF you see what I mean.

I like your style with the Ying/Yang symbol, that is more like harmony though I'd say but certainly equilibrium could be valid also.

Central could be regarded as the mathematical median. Can't remember the symbol for median though

Thanks to all of you! I really like the idea of using the yin/yang symbol for equilibrium as it's for a painting about the interaction between people of opposite temperaments.

In draughtsman's diagrams, distance is represented by two vertical lines with a double ended arrow between them |<->|. The tips of the arrows should touch the two lines.

well, if there's anything useful in maths or logic then I guess this wiki entry might help as well
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_mathematical_symbols
it links through to stuff on predicates and other related systems.

Hmmm, this is a good chance to divert my attention away from other work that I really should be doing...

equilibrium - from my maths lessons I remember that you could use "Equivalent to" which is like the equals sign except with 3 horizontal lines instead of 2, although I appreciate this is different to (from?!) the meaning of equilibrium.

Further to previous answers, perhaps an appropriate symbol you could use would be the astrological sign for Libra - i.e. in balance - which also draws from the literal translation ...

In any case, I'd love to see the finished work!

In my web travels, I found this site which may help:
www.symbols.net/scientific.htm

Best of luck!
LJ

"Applied mathematicians use the symbol s for distance."

I'll have to correct you there, Gnomon. The symbol s is for displacement, which is distinguished from distance by being a straight-line measurement. Mathematicians use it as a vector quotient; physicists use it when [speed=distance/time] becomes too childish.

B

I've put a photo of the finished painting here http://public.fotki.com/BrittaMoG/my_paintings/attraction_of_oppos.html

Ended up not using any symbols other than text on this one, would have been an overload. However, now I know where to find 'em when I need 'em in the future.

Thanks for all of your help!

Pretty!

B