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Understanding Mathematical Language & Symbols

The document discusses the importance of mathematical language and symbols, highlighting their characteristics such as precision, conciseness, and power. It differentiates between mathematical expressions and sentences, emphasizing the need for structural rules and the challenges posed by terminology. Additionally, it provides examples of translating English phrases into mathematical symbols for operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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JILLIAN ROSE MAG-ISA
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10 views14 pages

Understanding Mathematical Language & Symbols

The document discusses the importance of mathematical language and symbols, highlighting their characteristics such as precision, conciseness, and power. It differentiates between mathematical expressions and sentences, emphasizing the need for structural rules and the challenges posed by terminology. Additionally, it provides examples of translating English phrases into mathematical symbols for operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Uploaded by

JILLIAN ROSE MAG-ISA
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Mathematics

Language and
Symbols
“The laws of nature
are written in the
language of
mathematics.”
- Galileo
Importance of Language
► To understand the expressed ideas
► To communicate ideas to others

Characteristics of the Mathematics


Language
► Precise (able to make very fine
distinctions or definitions)
► Concise (able to say things briefly)
► Powerful (able to express complex
thoughts with relative ease)
Mathematical Language and Symbols
An expression is the mathematical
analogue of an English noun; it is a
correct arrangement of
mathematical symbols used to
represent a mathematical object of
interest.

An expression does not state a


complete thought; in particular, it
does not make sense to ask if an
expression is true or false.
Mathematical Language and
Symbols
A mathematical sentence is the
analogue of an English sentence; it
is a correct arrangement of
mathematical symbols that
expresses a complete thought.

It makes sense to ask about the


truth of a sentence: Is it true? Is it
false? Is it sometimes
true/sometimes false?
English Language to Mathematics
Language
► Noun to mathematical expressions
Example: x + 5; sin x; log x
► Sentence to mathematical sentence
Example: 2x + y = 6

The Grammar of Mathematics


► Structural rules governing the use of
symbols representing mathematical objects
Difficulties
► The word “is” could mean equality,
inequality, or membership in a set
► Different use of a number (cardinal,
ordinal, nominal, ratio)
► Mathematical objects may be
represented in many ways such as
sets and functions.
► The words “and” and “or” mean
differently in mathematics from its
English use.
Other Elements in Mathematical
Language
► Synonyms- different names for the same
object
► The Importance of Truth- sentence can be
true or false.
► Conventions-correspondence between the
mathematical symbols are conventions
rather than rule.
► Definitions and undefined terms- must
agree on the meanings of certain words.
► Simplicity and elegance-
► Fewer symbols
► Fewer operations
► Preferred styles
Translations Operation
Addition

Phrase Symbol
Sum of two numbers x+y
Three more than a certain x+3
number
Eight increased by a certain 8+x
number
A number increased by six x+6
Forty added to a certain x + 40
number
Translations Operation
Subtraction

Phrase Symbol
Difference of two numbers x–y
A certain number diminished x–6
by six
Ten less than a certain x – 10
number
A number decreased by two x–2
A number subtracted from 10 – x
10
Nine less a certain number
Translations Operation
Multiplication

Phrase Symbol
The product of two xy
numbers
Twice a certain number 2x
Three times a number 3x
Translations Operation
Division
Phrase Symbol
The quotient of two numbers x/y

The ratio of two numbers a and b a/b

A certain number divided by ten x/10

½(x) or x/2
Half a certain number
Activity
Translate each sentence using
mathematical symbols
►

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