How do other words can you use for “the way something is written”?

Question

I was racking my brain when pressed with a discussion posting in math class the other day, and I was coming to answer someone’s question when I got stuck in a bind.

The question was pre-Calc, and I was answering a question pertaining to some difficult math formatting. The word for the way the math was written had gotten jumbled in my brain. So I ask anyone who can help on the interwebs for their aid.

Here’s the sentence for the actual discussion where I faded off.

“These ones are kinda meant to trip people up by design because of the ________. The way’s it written is supposed to trick you, but the underlying convention of the problem is very simple.”

I appreciate any help, and I’m open to clarification’s or help to anyone.

Thank Everyone!

Answer 1

trip people up by design because of the ________.

I cannot think of a specifically mathematical term for such a word but some that might work are as follows.

This trips people up by design because of the phrasing or wording of the question.

This is also the presentation of the problem.

A more mathematical term does occur to me. This might be the notation. the notation or symbols used to describe a math problem can certainly lead you in one direction over another.