Is there a shorthand for the phrase "we have"?

Question

I am looking for a shorthand (or a symbol) for "we have" or its equivalent variants that is not too uncommon. In general I am looking for a notation (shorthand or a symbol) that signals the reader that what follows this sign are quoted facts rather than assumptions or consequents. Just want to increase the efficiency when it comes to hand-written mathematics.

I originally tended to use the shorthand "N.t." for "note that" to fulfill that purpose. However, I learned it is risky in that people not very mathematically minded tend to find it condescending or whatever that compromises the point. So any suggestion that satisfies the desired purpose, even if it is not a shorthand for "we have" (probably a better one), is equally welcomed. Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

In text you could try so, thus or hence; in a math environment you can use $\therefore$. For equivalence, you can use iff or $\Leftrightarrow$.

Answer 2

This is less of an answer and more of a "are you sure your question is the right one?".

You're exactly right about what "note that" means. But why are you looking for a speedy alternative shorthand here?

• If you're handwriting your own notes, then use whatever shorthand you like.
• If you're typesetting mathematics, you should always use longhand English.
• If you're presenting a lecture and therefore writing by hand, I would argue that you should be writing in longhand anyway. Those in the audience who are copying down notes will need more time than you do to absorb what you have just said, and it really helps them if you introduce these little inefficiencies. For example, if they have spent the last thirty seconds trying to understand what you just said, and this has put them behind your board writing, then your "note that" can become "n.t." in their handwritten notes and they have gone some of the way to catching you up.

The major remaining case is that you're writing maths by hand for someone else to read privately; for example, in an answer to a problem sheet question. I'd say that here, too, you should be writing in longhand for your final submission: your job is to argue as persuasively as possible that you have proved something, and your argument is more persuasive the more coherent it is as prose.

Have I missed out your particular use-case here?

Answer 3

Nota Bene abbreviated "n.b." may be what you are looking for. It was mentioned in the comments. From experience, in only one undergraduate classroom (where rigorous proofs were emphasized), the math professor mentioned the latin phrase and its usage. However, it is not common usage in mathematics, but the relevancy to mathematics exists. For example, see http://platonicrealms.com/encyclopedia/latin-terms-and-phrases-in-math