1 MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

CHAPTER 1: MATHEMATICS AS LANGUAGE

Objectives:

At the end of the chapter, the students are expected to:

 Discuss the language, symbols and conventions of mathematics

 Explain the nature of mathematics as a language;
 Acknowledge that mathematics is a useful language;
 Compare and contrast expression and sentences;
 Define sets and relation;
 Perform operations on mathematical expressions correctly;
 Articulate the importance of mathematics on one’s life.
Introduction:

This chapter teaches students to understand the usage of the language of mathematics such as:
mathematical symbols, mathematical expressions, sets, and functions. It will help the students to know how to
express words to symbols and vice versa. It introduces how mathematics language can be characterized and
the conventions in the mathematical language. It covers the language of relations and functions that will enable
the learners to understand how it is very important in everyday real life activities.
Let’s Start!
Pre-Assessment
A. Write the letter of your choice on the blank provided before each number.
______1. It refers to a well-defined collection of objects.
a. Element b. member c. set d. universe
______2. A set whose elements are limited and the last element can be identified as ___ set.
a. A finite b. a unit c. a universal d. an empty
______3. What do you call a set with no elements?
a. Empty b. finite c. unit d. universal
______4. Which of the following relations is a function?
a. {(0, 0}, (1, 2), (2, 3)}
b. {(0, 0), (0, 1), (1, 2)}
c. {(3, 1), (4, 1), (3, 2)}
d. {(1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3)}
______5. Which of the following relations is a function?
a. {(1, 2), (-1, 3), (-1, 8)}
b. {(3,7), (3, 6), (5, 3)}
c. {(0, 4), (5, 6), (5, 8)}
d. {(1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 4)}
* For numbers 6 - 7. Given f(x) = x + 1 and g(x) = x2 – x – 2, find the each specified operation on function.
______6. (f + g) (x)
a. x2 – 1 b. x2 – 3 c. x2 – 2 d. x2 + 1
______7. (f .g ) (x)
a. x3 – 3x – 2 b. x2 + 2x + 3 c. x3 + 3x – 2 d. x2 + 2x – 3
______8. Identify which of the given graph does not represents a function.
a. b. c. d.

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Lesson I: The Language of Mathematics

Objectives:

 Classify the characteristics of mathematical language.

 Differentiate expressions from sentences.
 Identify conventions in the mathematical language.
 Perform operations on mathematical expressions correctly.
Introduction:
Language is very powerful. It is used to express our emotions, thoughts, and ideas. However, if the
recipient of the message cannot understand you, then there is no communication at all. It is very important that
both of you understand the language. Mathematics is very hard for others to study because they are very
overwhelmed with the numbers, operations, symbols, and formulae. On the other hand, if one knows how to
interpret and understand these things, then the subject will be comprehensive.

One needs to learn and understand the mathematical language in order to think, to comprehend, and to
communicate mathematically. Mathematics as a language is composed of vocabularies consisting of symbols
and words and grammar which comprise a set of rules on how to use these symbols. Mathematical symbols
combined with words can convey complex, powerful ideas more efficiently than any other language. It has been
a tool and the great instrument for knowledge and wisdom to develop and flourish. The history of man’s
civilization is in parallel with the history and development of mathematics. It has become a universal language.

Let’s Start!

I.1: The Characteristics of Mathematics

The following are the characteristics of the language of mathematics: Precise, concise, and powerful.

The Language of Mathematics is precise. Precision in mathematics is like a culture of being correct all
the time. Definition and limits should be distinction. Mathematical ideas is being developed informally and being
done more formally, with necessary and sufficient conditions stated up front and restricting the discussion to a
particular class of objects. Mathematical culture of precision has developed a precise, highly symbolic language,
and a dialect manner that allows for the adaptation, adjustment, and cumulative refinement of concepts based
on experiences, and mathematical reasoning is expected to be correct.

Mathematical Language must be concise or shows simplicity. Being concise is a strong part of the
culture in mathematical language. The mathematician desires the simplest possible single exposition at the price
of additional terminology and machinery to allow of the various particularities to be subsumed into the exposition
at the highest possible level.

Mathematical Language must also be powerful. It is a way of expressing complex thoughts with relative
ease. The absorption in mathematics is the desire to unify diverse instances under a single conceptual framework
and allows easier penetration of the subject and the development of more powerful methods.

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I.2: Expressions versus Sentences

An expression (or mathematical expression) is a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols use
to represent the object of interest, it does not contain a complete thought, and it cannot be determined if it is true
or false. Some types of expressions are numbers, sets, and functions.

A sentence (or mathematical sentence) is a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols that states
a complete thought or meaning and can be determined whether it’s true or false. Mathematical Sentence makes
a statement about two expressions, either using numbers, variables, or a combination of both.

Mathematical Expression Mathematical Sentence

𝑥 + 25 5𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 2 = 3𝑥 2

5−2 1+2=3
3 1 1 3
+ =
4 2 4 4
𝑥 + 25 − √5 (3𝑥)(5𝑥) = 15𝑥 2
𝑥 ÷ 15 5 > −5
3𝜋 12 ≤ 13

1.2 Activity: Analysis

Classify each given equations as a mathematical expression (E) or a mathematical sentence (S).

1. x + x ________ 6. 3𝑥⁄4 ________

2. 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 5 = 0 ________ 7. (𝑥)(𝑦)(𝑧) = 𝑥𝑦𝑧 ________

5 1
3. √25 = 5 ________ 8. ÷ ________
6 2

4. −25 > 25 ________ 9. 𝑥 − 𝑧 = 𝑧 − 𝑥 ________

1
5. 3.1416 ________ 10. 2⁄ ________
4

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I.3: Language of Sets

Set theory is the branch of mathematics that studies sets or the mathematical science of the infinite. The
study of sets has become a fundamental theory in mathematics in 1870s which was introduced by Georg Cantor
(1845 – 1918), a German Mathematician.

A set is a well-defined collection of distinct objects. It is usually represented with capital letters. The
objects that belongs in a set are the elements (∈) or members of the set. The elements of a set are also
separated by a comma.

Examples:
A = {𝑎, 𝑒, 𝑖, 𝑜, 𝑢} D = {𝑥|𝑥 is a positive integer less than 10}

B = {1,2,3,4, … . } E = {𝑎|𝑎 is a letter in the word 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑜𝑥}

C = {𝑐𝑎𝑡, 𝑑𝑜𝑔, 𝑝𝑖𝑔}
Two ways to represent a Set.
1. Roster Method/ Tabulation Method – is when the elements of the set are enumerated and separated
by a comma. Example: 𝐸 = {𝑎, 𝑒, 𝑖, 𝑜, 𝑢}
2. Rule Method/ Set-Builder Notation – is used to describe the elements or members of the set. It is
written in symbol as {𝒙|𝑷(𝒙)}.
Example: {𝑥|𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠}

Sets of Numbers:

1. The set of Natural Numbers 𝑁 = {1, 2, 3, . . . . }

2. The set of Whole Numbers 𝑊 = {0, 1, 2, 3, . . . . }
3. The set of Integers Z= {… − 3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . . }
4. The set of Real numbers ℝ 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠
5. The set of Complex Numbers 𝐶 = {𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦| 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅} where I is the imaginary unit
6. The set of rational numbers (Repeating or terminating decimals)
𝑎
𝑄 = {𝑥|𝑥 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 ∈ 𝑍 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ∈ 𝑍 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ≠ 0}
𝑏

Definition of Terms

a. Finite Set – is a set whose elements are limited or countable, and the last element can be identified.
Example: A = {𝑥|𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠} B = {𝑠, 𝑖, 𝑡, 𝑒}
b. Infinite Set – is a set whose elements are unlimited or uncountable, and the last element cannot be
specified.
Example: 𝑁 = {1, 2, 3, . . . . } 𝐺 = {𝑥 |𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠}
c. Unit Set (Singleton) - is a set with only one element.
Example: 𝑅 = {𝑥 |𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 3 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 5} D = {e}
d. Empty Set (Null Set) – is a set with no element. It is denoted by the symbol ∅ 𝑜𝑟 {}.
Example: 𝐽 = {𝑥 |𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 3 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 2}
e. Universal Set – the set of all elements that are being considered. It is denoted by the symbol U.
Example: 𝑈 = {𝑥 |𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑍𝑜𝑜} 𝑈 = {𝑥 |𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 50}
f. Equal Set – Two sets with exactly same elements. Set A is equal to set B, denoted by A = B, if and only
if A and B have exactly the same elements.
Example: A = {𝑙, 𝑜, 𝑣, 𝑒} 𝐵 = {𝑜, 𝑙, 𝑒, 𝑣}

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g. Equivalent Set - Two sets with the same number of elements. Set A is equivalent to B, denoted by
A ~ 𝐵, if and only if A and B have the same number of elements. The cardinality of the two sets is the
same.
Example: 𝐴 = {𝑟, 𝑒, 𝑑} 𝐵 = {𝑐, 𝑟, 𝑦}
Note: Equal sets are equivalent, but not vice versa.
h. Cardinal Number of a set is the number of elements in the set. The Cardinality of set A is denoted by
𝑛(𝐴). Example: 𝐵 = {𝑜, 𝑙, 𝑒, 𝑣} , the cardinal number of B is 4 or 𝑛(𝐵) = 4
i. Joint Set - sets that have common elements.
Example: The sets 𝐴 = {1,2, 3, 4} and 𝐵 = {4, 5, 6, } are Joints sets, since 4 is a common to
both A and B.
j. Disjoint Set – sets with no common elements.
Example: The sets 𝐴 = {1,2, 3, 4} and 𝐵 = {5, 6, 7, 8 } are disjoints sets, there is no common element
to both A and B.
k. If A and B are sets, A is called subset of B, written A ⊆ B, if and only if, every element of A is also an
element of B.
Example: 𝐴 = {1, 2, 3} 𝐵 = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} then A ⊆ B, since all the elements of A is in B.
l. A is a proper subset of B, written 𝑨 ⊂ 𝑩, if and only if, every element of A is in B but there is at least
one element of B that is not in A.

Note: The following generalization are consequences of the definition.

a. Every set is a subset of itself, i.e. A ⊆ A.
b. An empty set is always a subset of every set, i.e. ∅ ⊆ 𝐴.
c. The sets {∅} 𝑎𝑛𝑑 {0} are not empty, since each contains one element.

Venn Diagram – it is a diagrams that can be used to illustrate sets and relationships between sets.
It was developed by an English logician Johnn Venn (1834 – 1923).
 In Venn diagram, the universal set is represented by a rectangular region and subsets of the
universal set are generally represented by oval or circular regions drawn inside the rectangle.
The Venn diagram below shows a universal set and one of its subsets, labeled set A. The
size of the circle is not a concern. The region outside of the circle, but inside the rectangle,
represents the set A’.

Four Basic Operations on Sets

1. Union of Sets A and B
A U B = sets of all elements found in sets A or B or Both
= {𝒙|𝒙 ∈ 𝑨 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 ∈ 𝑩}
In General: 𝑨 𝑼 𝑩 = 𝑼, 𝑨 𝑼 ∅ = 𝑨, 𝑨 𝑼𝑨′ = 𝑨
Example: A = {1, 2, 3, 4} 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 = {4, 5, 6}
𝐴 𝑈 𝐵 = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

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2. Intersection of Sets A and B

𝑨 ∩ 𝑩 = 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ
= {𝒙|𝒙 ∈ 𝑨 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 ∈ 𝑩}
In General: 𝑨 ∩ 𝑼 = 𝑨, 𝑨 ∩ ∅ = ∅, 𝑨 ∩ 𝑨′ = 𝑨
Example: 𝐴 = {𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑} 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 = {𝑐, 𝑎, 𝑘, 𝑒}
𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {𝑎, 𝑐}
3. Complement of A
.𝑨′ = 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝐴.
= {𝒙|𝒙 ∈ 𝑼 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 ∉ 𝑨}

In General: 𝑨′ ∪ 𝑼 = 𝑼, 𝑨′ ∩ 𝑨 = 𝑼

Example: 𝐴 = {𝑐, 𝑑} 𝑈 = {𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑, 𝑒}

𝐴′ = {𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑒}

4. Difference of Sets A and B

A – B = the set difference of sets A and B, or the relative complement of B in A.
= the set of elements in A but not in B.
𝑨 − 𝑩 = {𝒙|𝒙 ∈ 𝑨 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 ∉ 𝑩} .
𝑩 − 𝑨 = {𝒙|𝒙 ∈ 𝑩 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 ∉ 𝑨}
In General: 𝑨 − 𝑩 = 𝑩′ ∩ 𝑨 ; 𝑩 − 𝑨 = 𝑨′ ∩ 𝑩

Example1: 𝐴 = {𝑟, 𝑒, 𝑑, 𝑜, 𝑥} 𝐵 = {𝑓, 𝑜, 𝑥}

𝐴 − 𝐵 = {𝑟, 𝑒, 𝑑} 𝐵 − 𝐴 = {𝑓}

Example 2: 𝐶 = {𝑐, ℎ, 𝑟, 𝑖, 𝑠, 𝑙, 𝑦, 𝑛 } 𝐷 = {𝑥, 𝑖, 𝑎, 𝑛, 𝑒}

𝐶 − 𝐷 = {𝑐, ℎ. 𝑟, 𝑠, 𝑙, 𝑦} 𝐷 − 𝐶 = {𝑥, 𝑎, 𝑒}

I.4: Relation and Function

Relation – is a set of ordered pairs. The set of all first coordinates of the ordered pairs is called the Domain and
the set of all the second coordinates of the ordered pairs is called the Range. Relation is a correspondence
between two things or quantities.

Example of Relations

1. {(1, 4), (2, 5), (3, 6), (4, 8)}

2. {(4, 2), (4, -2), (9, 3), (9,3)}
3. {(1, a), (1, b), (1, c), (1,d)}
Types of Relations

1. One – to – One Relation

2. One – to – Many Relation
3. Many – to – One Relation
Function – is a special kind of relation and it is very important concept in mathematics. A function is a relation
in which each element of the domain corresponds to exactly one element of the range. To denote this
relationship, we use the functional notation: y = f(x); where f indicates that a function exists between variables x
and y.

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Example of Function:

1. {(1, 4), (2, 5), (3, 6), (4, 8)}

2. {(2, 1), (3, 1), (4, 1), (5,1)}
Importance of Functions:

1. Functions help us visualize relationships in terms of graphs and make it easier to interpret different
behavior of variables.
2. Functions are mathematical building blocks for financial applications, economics (profit, revenue, and
cost), medicine, engineering, different fields of sciences, and others.
3. Functions help us predict natural disasters, calculating pH levels, measuring decibels of sound intensity,
and designing machineries among others.

Evaluating a Function

The functional notation y = f(x) allows us to denote specific values of a function. To evaluate a function is to
substitute the specified values of the independent variable in the formula and simplify.

Example:

1. When f(x) = 8x – 4, find f(2).

Solution: f(2) = 8(2) – 4 = 16 – 4 = 12
Thus, f(2) = 12

Operations on Functions

Let f and g be any two functions:

1. Sum/ Difference of two functions

(f + g)(x) = f(x) + g(x)
(f – g )(x) = f(x) – g(x)
2. Product of two functions
(fg)(x) = f(x).g(x)
3. Quotient of two functions
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
( )(𝑥) = ; 𝑔(𝑥) ≠0
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)

4. Compositions on function
 f  g x  f g x
g  f x  g  f x
Example:

1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 16 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 4, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔:

𝑓
a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) b. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) c. ( )(𝑥) d. (𝑓 − 𝑔)(𝑥) e. (𝑓°𝑔)(𝑥)
𝑔

Solutions:
a. (𝑓 + 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) d. (𝑓 − 𝑔 )(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)
= (4𝑥 − 16) + (𝑥 − 4) = (4𝑥 − 16 ) − (𝑥 − 4)
= 4𝑥 + 𝑥 − 16 − 4 = 4𝑥 − 16 − 𝑥 + 4
= 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎 = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐

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b. (𝑓𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥). 𝑔(𝑥) e. (𝑓 °𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))

= (4𝑥 − 16)(𝑥 − 4) = 4(𝑥 − 4) − 16
= 𝟒𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝟐𝒙 + 𝟔𝟒 = 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟑𝟐
𝑓 𝑓(𝑥)
c. ( ) (𝑥) =
𝑔 𝑔(𝑥)
4𝑥−16 4(𝑥−4)
= = =𝟒
𝑥−4 𝑥−4

Let’s try:

Find f + g, f – g, fg, and f/g. If

1. f (x) = 3x + 4, g(x) =2x – 1

2. f (x) = 2x – 5, g(x) =4x2

3. f (x) = x – 1, g(x) = 2x2 + x – 3

I.5: Language of Binary Operations

A binary operation on a set B is a function that assigns each ordered pair of element of B. We use * to denote
arbitrary binary operation on a set A.
Symbolically, a*b = B, for all a, b, c ∈ B.
A group is a set of elements with one operation that satisfies the following properties;
i. The set is closed with respect to the operation;
ii. The operation satisfies the associative property;
iii. There is an identity element;
iv. Each element has an inverse.
In other word, a group is an ordered pair (B ,*) where A is a set and * is a binary operation on B satisfying the
four properties.
i. Closure property. If any two elements are combined using the operation, the result must be an
element of the set. a * b = c ∈ B, for all a, b, c, ∈ B.
ii. Associative property. (a * b) * c = a * (b * c), for all a, b, c ∈ B.
iii. Identity property. There exists an element e in B, such that for all a ∈ 𝐵, a * e = e * a.
iv. Inverse property. For each a ∈ 𝐵 there is an element 𝑎−1 of B, such that a * 𝑎−1 = 𝑎−1 * a = e

Example: Determine whether the set of all positive integers under addition is a group.
Solution: Apply the four properties to test the set of all positive integers under addition is a group.
a. Closure Property
We choose any two positive integers.
2+4=6
7 + 3 = 10
The sum of two numbers of the set is always a number of the set. Therefore, it is closed.
b. Associative Property
We choose three positive integers.
1 + (2 + 3) = (1 + 2) + 3

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9 MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

1+5 = 3+3
6 = 6
Thus, it satisfies the associative property.
c. Identity Property
We choose any positive integers.
3+0=3 1+0=1 10 + 0 = 10
Thus, it satisfied the identity property.
d. Inverse Property
We choose any positive integers and add to its additive inverse. 𝑎−1 = 𝑎
2 + (-2) = 0 1 + (-1) = 0 8 + (-8) = 0
Thus, it satisfied the inverse property.
Therefore, the set of positive integers under addition is a group since it satisfied the four properties.

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