How do you read "$a_n$" in English?

Question

What is the correct way to read "$a_n$" in English? What is the translation of what in Spanish is "$a$ sub $n$"?

My friend Rik tells the story of the time his aunt was visiting from Germany and asked him “Rik, what is the word, in English, for when you are happy because someone else is sad?” — MJD, Jul 31 '13 at 03:38
When there is no possible confusion with $a^{(n)}$, I often just say a n. — Bib-lost, Jun 14 '16 at 10:50

score 11 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 30 '13 at 15:28

11

Believe it or not, the usual way is ‘$a$ sub $n$’.

answered Jul 30 '13 at 15:28

Brian M. Scott

score 11 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 30 '13 at 15:28

11

I've always read it as "a sub n."

answered Jul 30 '13 at 15:28

Adam Eury

2 Answers2