PRACTICE SET 2

MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE AND SYMBOLS

Name : Date :

SCORE

College/Program : Time / Schedule :

Mathematics in the Modern World Page 9

In English, nouns are used to name things we want to talk about (like people, places, and
things); whereas sentences are used to state complete thoughts. The mathematical analogue of
a `noun' will be called an expression. Thus, an expression is a name given to a mathematical
object of interest. The mathematical analogue of a `sentence' will also be called a sentence. A
mathematical sentence, just as an English sentence, must state a complete thought.

A. If possible, classify the entries in the list below as:

• an English noun, or a mathematical expression

• an English sentence, or a mathematical sentence

In each sentence (English or mathematical), circle the verb.

How to read Classification

1. dog

2. 125

3. The word ‘cat’ begins with letter ‘K’.

4. 3 + 5 = 8

5. 120 – 27
6. The car is black.

7. 12 ∙ 12 = 24

8. x – 1 = 0

9. y + 4

10. This sentence is false.

11. a + 6 = 6 + a

12. bat cat dat

13. 1,000,000

14. 10x (x + 1)

15. The square root of four is two.

Practice Set 2 – Mathematical Language and Symbols The Nature of Mathematics

Mathematics in the Modern World Page 10

B. Translate each of the following phrases into a mathematical expression. Use as few variables
as

possible.

1. The sum of a number and 10

2. The product of two prime numbers

3. The ratio of –1 and a number

4. Three-fourths times the sum of two numbers

5. Thrice a number

6. Four less than a number

7. A number, less 8

8. There are twice as many boys as there are girls

9. The area of a rectangle whose length is twice its width

10. The cube of a number

C. Write each mathematical expression/sentence into its equivalent English

expression/sentence.

1. 7x2

2. 1/5 (100) = 20

3. 3x – 4

4. 2x + 12 = 3

5. (5 + x) 2

6. a3 + b

7. 25

8. 10 – 3 + 4 = 11

9. (4x)

10. 2x

2+x–1=0