MODULE MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE AND SYMBOLS n writing and speaking the language of mathematics, it is important that you know some basic mathematical terms because you will most likely encounter mathematical sentences with complicated structures. One very important element for a student to succeed in mathematics is the ability to communicate effectively in mathematics (Schiro, 1997). Students should be given opportunities to understand the math language in the classroom so that they can correctly read and write mathematical symbols which they can use effectively to solve math problems. Most students have problems understanding mathematical concepts not because they are difficult but because the ideas are presented in the language of math. Thus, familiarization with the mathematical language and symbols is important. ‘are expected to use king and writing introduce basic symbolicang tstst—<‘i‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ éz;OSOSOSOC 1 Mathematics as a Language =F ieee ain, This section introduces the students ie Ouecom es to the basic structure of mathematical ‘Atthe end of the language. It covers the linguistic functions section, students - | should be able to: of mathematics. 1. classify group Foamy Ne Coat of words or symbols as S Instructions: If you think the _ mathematical statement is correct, write AGREE. _ Otherwise, write DISAGREE. +11. In mathematical Pear “ language, a mathematical expression is considered as a noun. Just like English sentences, mathematical sentences have verbs too. .. Mathematics is a language with its own Parts of speech, 2 OSS a SST is a: mathematical sentence. Although Mathematics and the English language have many things in common in terms of structure, the rules in mathematics are stricter and some 38 Mathematics in the Modern Worldforms are more complicated. The following items summarize some unique characteristics of the mathematical language. 1. Itis precise because it can be stated clearly. 2. It is concise because it can be stated briefly. 3. It is powerful because it is capable of expressing complex ideas into simpler forms. 4, It is nontemporal (i.c., it has no tenses) which makes it so unique as compared to other languages. 5. Italso has vocabulary and Parts of speech. Parts of Speech for Mathematics Just like any ordinary language, mathematics also has syntax and structure which can be categorized into five forms. 1. Numbers are the very first symbols that can be used to Tepresent quantity. These are nouns (objects) in the English language. 2. Operation symbols like +, +, », and v can act as connectives in a mathematical sentence. 3. Relation symbols such as =, S, and ~ are used for comparison and act as verbs in the mathematical language. 4. Grouping symbols such as (), { }, and [ ] are used to associate groups of numbers and operators. 5. Variables are letters that represent quantities and act as Pronouns. A mathematical expression refers to objects of interest acting 8 the subject in the ordinary language. A sentence with a complete thought is a mathematical sentence which can be regarded as true or false, Module 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols 39Example | a. The following are examples of mathematical expressions: 4,-5,5+2,2e (All do not state complete thoughts.) b. The following are mathematical sentences: 1. 5 plus 2 is equal to the square root of 49. 5+2=/49 Here the symbol “+” is a connective while “=” is the verb, The sentence is true. 2. 10 divided by 2 is less than 3. 10+2<3, The symbol “+” is a connective while the operator “<” acts as the verb. The statement is false. Example 2 Which of the following are sentences? a. b. Manila is the capital of the Philippines. The province of Cavite The number 5 is a composite number. (x+ 1? vx-1=3 Solution a. This is an English sentence with “is” as the verb. The truth value is T since it is true that Manila is the capital of the Philippines. This is not a complete thought because it does not contain any verb. Mathematics in the Modern WorldThis is a mathematical sentence with “is” acting as verb. The statement is false. This is just a mathematical expression which does not contain any relational symbols. This is a mathematical sentence with symbol “=” acting as verb. This sentence is true only for x = 10. Exercise 1.1 Answer each question. 1. Find other names for the number “12” using the following symbols. a+ b+ ev Identify the verb in each sentence. Determine whether the sentence is true or false. a. EDSA is the longest road in Metro Manila. Verb True or False b. The capital of Metro Manila is Quezon City. Verb True or False e. 8(2)-6= 100 Verb True or False Module 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols 4d. 7<3 Verb True or False e. 4-5=5-4 Verb True or False 3. Classify if each item is an expression (E) or a sentence (S). a. pretty girl b. 3+4=44+3 c. The word “vowel” starts with a consonant. d. 5x3 e 5x3=3x5 f. Hayward got injured in the game. g. YouandI h. 3x=3 i, 3x+4y je 16)=5. k x<5 1. Math is a language. ee ‘Mathematics in the Modern WorldAssignment Read the article referenced below and complete the statements that follow. + The Language of Mathematics http://www.onemathematicalcat.org/pdf_files/LANG pdf 1, Three things that I significantly learned from the article 2. Three things that are still unclear to me 3. Tused to think that Module 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols 434. Three questions that I want to ask about the article References Jamison, Robert E. “Learning the Language of Mathematics.” Language and Learning Across the Disciplines, Vol. 4, no. 1, 2000, pp. 45-54. Bums, Carol J. The Language of Mathematics. Tree of Math, http://www.onemathematicalcat.org/pdf_files/LANGI pdf. Mathematics in the Modem World —