MODULE 2
THE LANGUAGE OF MATHEMATICS: LANGUAGE AND SYMBOLS
WHAT IS A LANGUAGE?
- A system of communication which consists of sounds and written symbols which are used by the people
for talking or writing. (Collins English Dictionary)
- A formal system of signs and symbols including rules for the formation and transformation of admissible
expressions. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
WHAT IS LANGUAGE FOR?
- To communicate our expression, feelings, thoughts, and ideas to others.
MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
- Mathematics is a language that is understood throughout the world.
- Also used in expressing and communicating ideas to others without the burden of translating such to
different languages
MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE IS DESIGNED FOR:
1. Numbers
2. Sets
3. Functions
4. Operations
COMMONLY USED SYMBOLS IN MATHEMATICS:
1. Numbers
2. Arithmetic operations (+, -, x, ÷)
3. Variables
4. Inequalities
5. Set of operations
6. Logical symbols
7. Other symbols
NUMBER SETS
1. N = {1,2,3,...} the set of natural numbers
2. W = {0,1,2,3,...} the set of whole numbers
3. Z = {...-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,...} the set of integers (positive and
negative)
4. Q = the set of rational numbers - ratio or fractional
5. Q’ (Q prime) = the set of irrational numbers
6. R = the set of real numbers
7. C = the set of complex numbers
CHARACTERISTICS OF MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
1. Precise - able to make very fine distinction based on definition
Ex. A square is different to a circle based on definition
2. Concise - able to say things briefly by means of symbols.
Ex. “Twice the number eight is sixteen” → 2 x 8 = 16
3. Powerful - able to express complex thoughts with relative ease.
Ex. “2 + 4” means we add 2 and 4 to get 6.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE VS MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
English language Mathematical language
Noun/Phrase Mathematical expression
Ex. Maria, Pedro’s dog, eyes Ex. 2 + 5, x - 4, 2x + 3y
Sentence Mathematical sentence
Ex. Maria is beautiful. Ex. 2 + 5 = 7
My province is Iloilo. x-4=0
Pedro has a dog named Bantay. 2x + 3y = -5
English Mathematics
Symbols English alphabet and punctuations English alphabet, numberals, greek
letters, grouping symbols, special
symbols.
Name Noun Expression
Complete thought Sentence Sentence
Action Verbs Operations and other actions
(simplify, rationalize, etc)
What’s in a sentence Verbs Equality, inequality, membership,
set, etc
Attribute of a sentence Fact or fiction True or false
CONVENTION IN THE MATHEMATICS LANGUAGE
- Convention is a general agreement about basic principles accepted as true. (Merriam-Webster
Dictionary)
Mathematical expression Mathematical sentence
A correct arrangement of mathematical symbols A correct arrangement of mathematical symbols that
used to represent a mathematical object of interest states a complete thought.
and it does not state a complete thought.
GRAMMAR IN MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
1. The word “is” could mean equality, inequality or membership in a set depending on how they are used
in a sentence.
Ex. 10 is 2 times 5 → Equality
10 is greater than 3 → Inequality
10 is a natural number → Membership
2. A number in a sentence may be of cardinal, ordinal, or nominal type
Ex. My phone number is 3291428. → Nominal
I have 3 dogs in our house. → Cardinal
Ana is 1st place in the contest. → Ordinal
3. The words “and” and “or” mean differently in Mathematics from its English use.
4. Mathematical objects may be represented in many ways such as sets and functions.
NOTIONS IN THE MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
1. Synonyms
2. The importance of truth
3. Conventions and syntax
4. Definitions and undefined terms
5. Simplicity and elegance
Synonyms
English: happy - glad Math: 5=6-1
5=
10
2
3
5=2 -3
The importance of truth
English: The word cat begins with the letter “k”. (false)
CPU is a Christian institution. (true)
Math: s + 7 = 7 + s (true)
m - 5 = 5 - m (true)
x = 1 (sometimes true/sometimes false)
Conventions and syntax
Definitions
Definition of even number “a” Point - that which has no dimension
A = 2n, n Ɛ Z Quadrilateral - geometric figure on a plane that has
four sides
Simplicity and elegance
Prove that the product of two even numbers is even
Solution:
Let a = 2n and b = 2m, where n, m Ɛ Z
ab = (2n)(2m)
ab = 4nm
ab = 2 (2nm)
ab = 2k where 2nm = k Ɛ Z
Therefore, the product of two even numbers is even.
EXERCISES:
1. Identify the following if it is an English Noun/ Phrase, Mathematical Expression, English or Mathematical
Sentence.
a. 3x - Mathematical expression
b. Computer - English noun
c. 5 - 7 = 4 - Mathematical sentence
d. I was born on November 21. - English sentence
2 2 2
e. a = c - b - Mathematical sentence
2. Identify the word “is” in the following sentence is an Equality, Inequality or Membership.
a. x + x is equal to 2x - Equality
b. -2 is a negative integer. - Membership
c. 0 is greater than -10. - Inequality
d. Four is 2 more than twice 1. - Equality
e. One-half is a rational number. - Membership
3. Identify whether the number in each item is Cardinal, Ordinal or Nominal.
a. He won 2nd prize in the raffle. - Ordinal
b. He lives 3 blocks away from here. - Cardinal
c. His house code is H-505. - Nominal
d. There are 3 children in the park. - Nominal
e. They ranked 1st in the band battle. - Ordinal
