The Language of Mathematics

1. Why is Mathematics a Language?

2. Characteristics of Mathematical Language
3. Expressions and Sentences in Mathematics
4. Conventions in Mathematics
5. Basic Concepts in Mathematics
 1. Why is Mathematics a Language?

Language is a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds and

conventional symbols. It is the code humans use as a form of expressing
themselves and communicating with others. Linguist Noam Chomsky defined
language as a set of sentences constructed using a finite set of elements.
These definitions describe language in terms of the following components:
A vocabulary of symbols or words
A grammar consisting of rules on the use of these symbols
A community of people who use and understand these symbols
A range of meanings that can be communicated with these symbols

Since all of the aforementioned components are found in mathematics, it

qualifies as a language.
 1. Why is Mathematics a Language?

Mathematics is a system of communication about objects like numbers, variables,

sets, operations, functions/relations, and equations/inequalities. It is a collection of
both symbols and their meanings shared by a global community of people who have an
interest in the subject. Specifically, it is the system used by mathematicians to
communicate mathematical ideas among themselves, and is distinct from natural
languages in that it aims to communicate abstract, logical ideas with precision and
unambiguity.

Mathematics is a universal language. The symbols and organization to form

equations are the same in every country of the world. Mathematics is called the
language of science. Italian astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilie is attributed with
the quote, "Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe."
 1. Why is Mathematics a Language?

The Vocabulary of Mathematics

The language of mathematics has an abundant vocabulary of specialist and
technical terms and also uses symbols instead of words which are essentials to the
power of modern mathematics.
Some of the symbols commonly used in Mathematics are the following:
The 10 digits: 0,1,2,…9
Symbols for operations and sets: +, -, x, ÷, ∪, ∩, etc.
Symbols that ”stand in” for values: x, y, …
Special symbols: , , ,  , etc.
Logic symbols: , , , ,  , etc.
Set notations: , , , , etc.
Symbols for constant or fixed values: a, b, c or first letters in the alphabet
Symbols for variables or unknowns: x, y, z or the letters at the end of the alphabet
1. Why is Mathematics a Language?
 1. Why is Mathematics a Language?

The Grammar of Mathematics

The mathematical notation used for formulas has its own grammar,
not dependent on a specific natural language, but shared internationally
by mathematicians regardless of their mother tongues. This includes the
conventions that the formulas are written predominantly left to right,
even if the writing system of the substrate language is right to left, and
that the Latin alphabet is commonly use for simple variables and
parameters.
There are structural rules governing the use of symbols representing
mathematical objects.
 2. Characteristics of Mathematical Language

Characteristics of Mathematical 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)

3. Expressions and Sentences in Mathematical
3. Expressions and Sentences in Mathematical
3. Expressions and Sentences in Mathematical
 4. Conventions in Mathematical Language
Mathematical Convention – is a fact,
name, notation, or usage which is generally
agreed upon by mathematicians.

1(6)  2(8)  ?

*The expressions, mathematical sentences and

formulas are written predominantly left to right.
*The use of symbols pi and phi are conventional:
  3.141592...   1.618034...
Nearly all mathematical names and symbols are
conventional.
 5. Basic Concepts in Mathematics

Four Basic Concepts in Mathematical Language:

1. Language of Sets
2. Language of Relations and Functions
3. Language of Binary Operations
4. Language of Logic and Propositional Symbols
The END