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Module 3 Lesson 1

This document provides an introduction to the language of mathematics. It discusses how mathematics has its own precise language involving symbols and conventions to communicate ideas. The key aspects covered include the precise, concise and powerful nature of mathematical language. It also defines common symbols used and the differences between mathematical expressions and sentences. The goal is to help students understand the language so they can effectively solve math problems.

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242 views

Module 3 Lesson 1

This document provides an introduction to the language of mathematics. It discusses how mathematics has its own precise language involving symbols and conventions to communicate ideas. The key aspects covered include the precise, concise and powerful nature of mathematical language. It also defines common symbols used and the differences between mathematical expressions and sentences. The goal is to help students understand the language so they can effectively solve math problems.

Uploaded by

Jan Jan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNT 3: MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

INTRODUCTION
Understanding mathematics is to understand its language. From patterns and nature, you
are now about to realize the system used by mathematicians to communicate mathematical ideas
among themselves, which is the language of mathematics.
In this module, you will be given the opportunity to understand the math language so that
you can correctly read and write mathematical symbols which you can use to communicate
effectively to solve math problems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this module, you should have been able to:
a. identify and define the language, symbols, and conventions of mathematics;
b. perform operations on mathematical expressions correctly;
c. demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts in sets, relations & functions,
binary operations, and mathematical logic.
TOPIC OUTLINE
1. Mathematical Convention
2. Expression vs. sentences
3. Operations on mathematical expressions
4. The four basic concepts of mathematics
5. Elementary Logic.
MOTIVATION
Figure Me Out!
If you are to solve 8 ÷ 2(2 + 2), what number will you get?

or 16
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THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION,
UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
1
CONTENT
The Language of Mathematics
One very important part for a student to succeed in mathematics is the ability to
communicate effectively in Mathematics (Schiro, 1997). Thus, familiarization with the
mathematical language and symbols is important.
Although Mathematics and the English language have many things in common in terms
of structure, the rules in mathematics are stricter and some forms are more complicated. So
what makes the language of mathematics unique? They are the following:
a. It is precise because it can be stated clearly and able to make very fine distinctions.

Example: the use of mathematical symbols is only done based on its meaning and
purpose. Like + means add, - means subtract, x mean multiple, and ÷ mean divide.

b. It is concise because it can be stated briefly.

Example: the sentence “three plus two equals five”, can be written in mathematical
symbols 3 +2 =5

c. It is powerful because it is capable of expressing complex ideas into simpler forms.

Example: the application of critical thinking and problem solving skill requires the
comprehension, analysis and reasoning to obtain the correct solution.

Mathematics as a language has syntax or structure to make a mathematical expression


or sentences well-formed which can be categorized into five forms.

1. Numbers. They are the very first symbols that can be used to represent quantity.

2. Operation symbols like +, ÷, -, × can act as connectives in a mathematical


sentence.

3. Relation symbols such as =, ≤, ≥, ~ are used for comparison.

4. Grouping symbols like { }, ( ), [ ] are used to associate groups of numbers and


operators.

5. Variables are letters that represent unknown values or quantities.

THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION,
UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
2
Mathematical Convention
Mathematical convention is where mathematicians and scientists have decided that
particular symbols will have particular meaning. Mathematicians abide by conventions in
order to allow other mathematicians to understand what they write without constantly having
to redefine basic terms.

The following symbols are commonly used:

Symbol Meaning Example

+ add 3 + 7 = 10

− Subtract 7−3=4

x or ( ) multiply 7 x 3 or 7(3)

÷ or / divide 1 ÷ 2 or 1⁄2

𝜋 pi the circumference of a circle is 2𝜋𝑟

∞ infinity ∞ is endless

= equals 10 – 5 = 5

≈ approximately equal to 𝜋 ≈ 3.14

≠ not equal to 𝜋≠2

<≤ less than, less than or equal to 2 < 3 or 𝑥 ≤ 3

>≥ greater than, 3 > 2 or 𝑥 ≥ 3


greater than or equal to

√ radical sign √4 = 2

THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION,
UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
3
Mathematical Expressions vs. Mathematical Sentences
Mathematical expression and mathematical sentence is the analogue of a phrase and a
sentence in English language. Study the diagram below and discover the similarities and
differences of the two.
Mathematical Expressions Mathematical Sentences

 The result of combining numbers  The result of combining numbers


and variables, with operational and variables, with operational
symbols. symbols and relation symbols.
 It is well formed and states a
 It is well-formed but does not complete thought.
state a complete thought.
Example:
Example: 8 + 2 = 10
8+2 8x + 2 > 10
8x + 2
 A sentence can be (always) true,
 It does not make sense to ask if an (always) false, or sometimes true,
expression is true or false. sometimes false.

Example:
8 + 2 = 10 True
8+2=8 False
x = 2 sometimes true,
sometimes false, depending on
the real value of x, whether x is 2
or otherwise.
8x + 2 = 2 + 8x always true no
matter what value x represent.

THIS MODULE IS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE, INC. ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION,
UPLOADING, OR POSTING ONLINE IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY IS
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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