Is there a general rule of symmetry in mathematics and science (see details)?

I think what you’re getting at is solving simultaneous linear algebraic expressions.

I think you’re confusing symmetry with the commutative property… when you say “addition is symmetric.”

Though they can be related.

Symmetry has more to do with invariance. Something is symmetrical if, when transformed, it does not actually change. For example, if you flip around an equilateral triangle it looks the same, because it’s symmetrical. A square is symmetrical because it looks the same no matter which side is on “top.”

What you are talking about seems to have more to do with operations, specifically the order of operations. 2x + y + z is different from x + y + z because you have to do multiplication (2 times x) before you do addition (x+y+z). And, well, I’m not really sure how this is supposed to relate to symmetry. But I am not the brightest when it comes to math.

When you talk about generalized idea of symmetry, I think of Noether’s theorem. Some people say this is the most important idea in physics. It explains why some physical properties—for example, energy, or angular momentum—are conserved. It has to do with symmetry. No, I don’t actually understand it.

I have heard about Noether’s Theorem and I am surprised that it is not better known. It really is mind blowing.

What I was trying to get at was that the equation could be any one of 2x + y + z or x + 2y + z or x + 2y + z, but which one applies will vary. This set of conditions is symmetric with respect to x, y and z. The definition of symmetric is that if you swapped x, y and z in any way, the conditions would remain the same.

So what you’re talking about is the nature of the variable? Under what circumstances can you switch around variables?

I would say that 2x + y + z and x + 2y + z are only symmetrical (invariant) if you assume the designation of variables is arbitrary and can be switched. Which it basically is I guess, but then it’s just about semantics.

You could also say that 2 + 1 = 5 if you switched around the symbol for “1” and the symbol for “3,” because ultimately the symbols we use to designate quantity and variable are arbitrary.

I love it when you talk Math. I don’t pretend to understand, but it sounds so learned and neat.

What don’t you understand? I can try to explain it. It’s pointless if you don’t understand what it means…

Like an equilateral triangle, the letters x,y,and z can be swapped around and still have the same effect. But like an isosceles triangle, if it is set up like this: 2x+2y+z, the figure is not the same if you swap it around like this: x+2y+2z.
Or a scalene triangle: 2x+y+z to x+2y+z
That’s what ‘symmetrical’ means here.
I think it all depends on what type of triangle you’re working with.
My equilateral could go as follows: X=60 Y=60 Z=60
My first isosceles could go: X=30 Y=30 Z=60
My second isosceles could go:X=60 Y=30 Z=30
My first scalene could go:X=30 Y=60 Z=60
My second scalene could go: X=60 Y=30 Z=60
But they don’t add up to 180.
So one must be <60 for it to work.

The symmetry is in the Maths and Science because the Maths and Science are being used to describe things that have symmetrical properties.