Mathematics

Language and
Symbols
“The laws of nature
are written in the
language of
mathematics.”
- Galileo Galilei
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
ranslations 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
ranslations 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
►