1. Discuss the language, symbols, and conventions used in Mathematics.

- Mathematicians abide by conventions in order to allow other mathematicians to understand

what they write without constantly having to redefine basic terms. Nearly all mathematical
names and symbols are conventional. Mathematical language and symbols play crucial roles in
advanced mathematical thinking by providing flexibility and reducing cognitive load but they
often have a dual nature since they can signify both processes and objects of mathematics.
Mathematics uses symbols instead of words:

 The 10 digits: 0, 1, 2, ... 9

 The symbols for operations: +, −, ×, /, ...
 The symbols that "stand in" for values: x, y, ...
 Other special symbols: π, =, <, ≤, ...

2. Explain the nature of Mathematics as a language.

- In order to be considered a language, a system of communication must have vocabulary,

grammar, syntax, and people who use and understand it. Mathematics meets this definition of a
language. Linguists who don't consider math a language cite its use as a written rather than
spoken form of communication. Math is a universal language. The symbols and organization to
form equations are the same in every country of the world. The language of Mathematics does
not consist of formulas alone. The definitions and terms are verbalized often acquiring a meaning
different from the customary one. Mathematical language is by far more accurate than any other
one may think of.

3. Evaluate Mathematical expressions correctly.

- To evaluate Mathematical expressions correctly, one must first replace each letter in the
expression with the value that has been assigned to it. Once the values for the letters have been
substituted already, do the operations to find the value of the expression. The operations must be
done in proper order: first do any operations involving exponents, then do multiplication and
division, and finally do addition and subtraction.

Example:

2x3 – x2 + y

for x = 3, y = –2

2(3)3 – (3)2 + (-2)

2(27) - 9 + (-2)

54 - 9 +(-2)
43

4. Recognize that Mathematics is a useful language.

- Teaching and learning the language of mathematics is vital for the development of
mathematical proficiency. The basic symbols help us to work with mathematical concepts in a
theoretical manner. In simple words, without symbols, we cannot do maths. The mathematical
language is used to express mathematical thoughts. Our mathematical vocabulary learning is a
very important part of our language development and ultimately mathematical proficiency.