GE104

MODULE 2

Mathematics as a
Language
Module 2
Mathematics as a Language

2.01 Language of Variable

2.02 Language of Sets
2.03 Language of Relations and Functions
2.04 Language of Logic
Mathematics as a Language
Module 2.01 Language of Variable

▪ Variable – Letter or symbol that represents any member o Multiplication ( x , * , ab , 5b )

of a collection of two or more numbers.
Ex. Multiplicand, multiplied by, multiplier, product
▪ Constant – Letter or Symbol that represents a specific 𝑎
number. o Division ( ÷ , / , )
𝑏
2x + y Ex. Dividend, divided by, divisor, equals and quotient
x and y are variables, 2 and 1 are constants o Addition ( + )
Ex. Augend, add, addend, sum
▪ Operations o Subtraction ( - )
o Exponents Ex. Minuend, subtract, subtrahend, difference
Ex. Squared, Cubed, (raised) to the nth power ▪ Order of Operation
PEMDAS
Mathematics as a Language
Module 2.01 Language of Variable

▪ Symbols of Equality and inequality ▪ Grouping

= Equal Ex.
≠ Not equal ( ) – Parentheses
< less than [ ] – brackets
> greater than { } – braces
≤ Equal or less than
≥ Equal or greater than
Mathematics as a Language
Module 2.01 Language of Variable

Characteristics of Mathematical Language:

o precise
➢ able to make very fine
distinctions.
o concise
➢ able to say things briefly.
o powerful
➢ able to express complex
thoughts with relative ease.
Mathematics as a Language
Module 2.01 Language of Variable

Characteristics of Mathematical Language:

Precise and Concise

16 / 4 ( 2 + 2 ) = ?
Solution #2
Solution #1
16 / 4 ( 2 + 2 )
16 / 4 ( 2 + 2 )
16 / 4 (4)
16 / 4 (4)
16 / 16
4 (4)
=1
= 16

(16 / 4) ( 2 + 2 ) = 16 16 / (4 ( 2 + 2 ) ) = 1
 Mathematics as a Language
Module 2.01 Language of Variable

expressions versus sentences

▪ In English, nouns are used to name things we want to ▪ The mathematical analogue of a sentence will also be
talk about (like people, places, and things); whereas called a sentence. A mathematical sentence, just as an
sentences are used to state complete thoughts. English sentence, must state a complete thought. The
table below summarizes the analogy.
▪ A typical English sentence has at least one noun, and at
least one verb.
▪ The mathematical analogue of a `noun' will be called an
expression. Thus, an expression is a name given to a
mathematical object of interest. Whereas in English we
need to talk about people, places, and things, we'll see
that mathematics has much different `objects of
interest'.
Module 2
Mathematics as a Language
Expressions versus Sentences

ENGLISH MATHEMATICS

name given to an object of NOUN (person, place, thing) EXPRESSION

interest: Examples: Carol, Iloilo, book Examples: 5 , 2 + 3 , 1, 2x + y

a complete thought: SENTENCE SENTENCE

Examples: Examples:
The capital of Philippines is 3+4=7
Manila. 3x + 4 = 8
The capital of Idaho is Pocatello.
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