Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

College : Engineering
Campus: Bambang

DEGREE PROGRAM BSCpE COURSE NO. GE MATH

SPECIALIZATION Computer COURSE TITLE Mathematics in the Modern World
YEAR LEVEL 2nd Year TIME FRAME 9 Hrs WK NO. 4-6 IM NO. 2

I. UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE

Mathematical Language and Symbols

II. LESSON OVERVIEW

Language is a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized

signs, sounds, gestures or marks having understood meanings. Every science has its own lingo
and word usage. The use of apt language is the key to making mathematics comprehensible and
understandable. This language consists of a substrate of ordinary language using technical terms
and grammatical conventions that are peculiar to mathematical discussions, supplemented by a
highly specialized symbolic notation for mathematical formulae. Human languages have
grammatical structures. These structures express the difference between the objects themselves
and the actions carried out by or on the objects.

III. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss the language, symbols, and conventions of mathematics;

2. Explain the nature of mathematics as a language;
3. Perform operations on mathematical expressions correctly; and
4. Acknowledge that mathematics is a useful language.

IV. LESSON CONTENT

Mathematical Language and Symbols

A. Characteristic of Mathematical Language

B. Mathematical Expressions and Sentences
C. Conventions in the Mathematical Language
D. Four Basic Concepts
E. Elementary Logic
F. Formality

DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD

1. LANGUAGE
-is the system of words, signs and symbols which people use to express ideas, thoughts and
feelings.
2. MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
-is the system used to communicate mathematical ideas.
3. MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSIONS
-consist of terms separated from other terms with either plus or minus signs.
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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

4. MATHEMATICAL SENTENCE
-combines two mathematical expression and is separated from other terms with either plus or
minus signs.
5. SYMBOLS
-important in mathematical works, Greek and Latin letters are used as symbols for physical
quantities and special functions.
6. LOGIC
-is the science of formal principles of reasoning or correct inference.
-is the study of the principles and methods used to distinguish valid arguments from those that
are not valid.
7. MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
- is the study of reasoning in mathematics.
8. ARGUMENT
-defined as any group of statements or propositions, one of which is claimed to follow from the
others, which are then alleged to provide basis for the truth of that one.
9. FORMALITY
-is a relational concept: An expression can be more or less formal relative to another expression,
entailing an ordering of expressions.
10 . BINARY
-the term binary means consisting of two parts. In mathematics, binary means that it belongs to
a number system with base 2 and not base 10.
11. BIT
-a bit is a single binary digit. The number 11010 has 5 bits. To distinguish a binary from a decimal
number, it is written with a subscript 2.

A. CHARACTERISTICS OF MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

Mathematics is about ideas – relationships, quantities, process, measurements, reasoning and so on.
The use of language in mathematics differs from language of ordinary speech in three important ways,
according to Jamison(2000).
1. First, mathematical language is non- temporal, there is nopast, present or future in mathematics.
2. Second, mathematical language is devoid of emotional content.
3. Third, mathematical language is precise.
Ordinary speech is full of ambiguities, innuendoes, hidden agenda and unspoken cultural assumptions.
Since ordinary language tolerates vagueness, student have little practice in forming clear, precise
sentence and often lack the patience to do so (Jamison, 2000).
The advantage of mathematical notation, both symbolic and graphical, is that it is highly compact
(conveying a lot of information and ideas in very little space) and focused (conveying the important
information for the current situation and omitting the rest). For learners, this can also be a disadvantage,
because one little symbol can refer to so many ideas (Developing Mathematical Language, 2016)

B. MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSIONS AND SENTENCES

One of the objectives in learning is for student to be able to confidently speak about it. It is important that
students are competent to discuss ideas and explain how they solve mathematics problems or what the
consequences and possibilities are if they use the wrong process. Math words, expressions and
sentences can help students explain what they think. Precise math terms to achieve better
understandings and deeper appreciation of mathematics.
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are the operation that can make up a mathematical
expression. Given in the table below are the words or phrase which are indicative of the four operations.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

Operation Terms and

Symbols

Mathematical expressions consist of terms. The term of mathematical expression is separated from
other terms with either plus or minus signs. A single term may contain an expression in parentheses or
other grouping symbols.

A Mathematical sentence combines two expressions using a comparison operator. These expressions
Mathematical
either use numbers, variables, Expressions
or both. The comparison operators include equal, not equal, greater than,
greater than or equal to, less than and less than or equal to.

Example of Equation and

Inequality

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

An Open sentence in math means that it uses variable, meaning that it is not known whether or not the
mathematical sentence is true or false. A Closed sentence, on the other hand, is a mathematical
sentence that is known to be either true or false.

Open sentence Closed sentence Closed sentence (false)

(true)

2xy < 3y 2 (x +y) = 2x +2y 9 is an even number

18w > 16.5 18(2) > 16.5 4+4=5
8(1)c - c = 7c
8ac – c = 7c 10 – 1 = 8

C. CONVENTIONS IN THE MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

Symbols are important in mathematical works. It is therefore necessary to understand how vital it is to be
precise about the symbols. Variables are another form of mathematical symbols. To understand the
meaning of math symbols, there are two things to consider, namely: context and convention.
1. Context refers to the particular topics being studied and it is important to understand the context to
understand mathematical symbols.
2. Convention is a technique used by mathematicians, engineers, scientist in which each particular
symbol has particular meaning.

D. FOUR BASIC CONCEPTS

1. SETS is a well-defined collection of distinct objects. The objects that makes up a set (also known as the
set’s element or members) can be numbers, people, letters of the alphabet, other sets, etc. Sets are
conventionally named with capital letters. There is a simple notation for sets. Braces are usually used to
specify that the objects written between them belong to a set.
1.1. There are two ways to describe a set, namely:
• In the Roster / Tabular Method, the elements in the given sets are listed or enumerated,
separated by a comma, inside a pair of braces.
• In the Rule / Descriptive method, the common characteristics of the elements are defined. This
method uses set builder notation where x is used to represent any element.
•

1.2. The following are the kinds of sets:

• Empty/ Null/ Void set has no element and is denoted ny ∅ or by pair of braces with
nelement inside, i.e.{}.
• Finite set has countable number of elements.
• Infinite set has uncountable number of elements.
• Universal set is the totality of all the elements of the sets under consideration denoted by U.

1.3. Two or more sets may be related to each other as described by the following:
• Equal sets have the same elements
• Equivalent sets have the same number of elements.
• Joint sets have at least one common element.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

• Disjoint sets have no common element.

2. FUNCTION are mathematical entities that give unique outputs to particular inputs. There are many ways to
think about functions, but they, at all times, have three most important parts:
1. Input
2. Relationship
3. Output

Also, a function has special rules:

1. A function works for every possible input value.
2. A function has only one relationship for each input value.

The rules on performing operations of functions, f and g, are the following:

1. The sum f + g is the function defined by:
y = (f + g) x = f(x) -g(x)
2. The difference f – g is the function defined by:
y = (f - g) x = f(x) – g(x)
3. The product f * g is the function defined by:
y = (f * g) x = f(x) *g(x)
4. The quotient f/g is the function defined by:
y = (f / g) x = f(x) /g(x)

3. RELATIONS – is a set of inputs and outputs, oftentimes expressed as ordered pairs (output, input). A
relation is a rule which associates each element of the first set (Set A) with at least one element in the
second set (Set B).

1. Disjointed sets A and B

2. Set A is a proper subset of set B, A ⊂ B

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

3. Union of sets A and B, A ∪ B

4. Intersections of Set A and B, A ∩ B

5. The difference of set A and B, A – B

6. Complement of Set A, A’

A Relation can be presented as a mapping diagram or a graph. Mapping or pairing from domain to the
range is one way to show correspondence in a relation.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

For example, a relation can be represented as:

- (0.-2)
2 (0, 1)
1 (1, 2)
2 (2, 1)
4 (3, 4)

Mapping diagram of relations

Graph of
relations
E. BINARY OPERATIONS
To transform the binary number 1111112 to decimal:

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 = 26 = 64
5
1 0 0 0 0 0 = 2 = 32
1 0 0 0 0 = 24 = 16
1 0 0 0 = 23 = 8
1 0 0 = 22 = 4
1 0 = 21 = 2
0
1 = 2 = 1

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 = 127

Since 64 + 32 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 equals 127; therefore 111111 2 equals 127

Decimal Binary
0 0
1 20 12
2 21 + 0 102
3 21 + 1 112
4 22 + 0 + 0 1002
5 22 + 0 + 1 1012
6 22 + 21 + 0 1102

Decimal Binary

100 1100100

400 110010000

500 111110100

555 1000101011

1000 1111101000

3333.5 110100000101.1

5000.5 1001110001000.1

The binary number is made up only 0’s and 1’s.

Binary Operation

Just as we get a number when two numbers are either added or subtracted or multiplied or are divided. The
binary operations associate any two elements of a set. The resultant of the two are in the same set. Binary
operations on a set are calculations that combine two elements of the set (called operands) to produce
another element of the same set.

The binary operations * on a non-empty set A are functions from A × A to A. The binary operation, *: A × A
→ A. It is an operation of two elements of the set whose domains and co-domain are in the same set.

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponential is some of the binary operations.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

Types of Binary Operations

1. Commutative Operation:
A binary operation ∗∗ over a set GG is said to be commutative if for every pair of elements a, b
∈Ga, b∈G, a∗b = b∗a a∗b = b∗a
Thus addition and multiplication are commutative binary operations for natural numbers whereas
subtraction and division are not commutative, because for a–b=b–aa–b=b–a and a÷b = b÷a a÷b
= b÷a cannot be true for every pair of natural numbers aa and bb.
For example 5–4≠4–55–4≠4–5 and5÷4≠4÷55÷4≠4÷5.

2. Associative Operation:
A binary operation on a set GG is called associative if a∗(b∗c) = (a∗b)∗ca∗(b∗c)=(a∗b)∗c for
all a,b,c∈Ga,b, c∈G.
Evidently, ordinary addition and multiplication are associative binary operations on the set of
natural numbers, integers, rational numbers and real numbers. However, if we define a∗b=a–
2b ∀a,b∈Ra∗b=a–2b ∀a,b∈R, then
(a∗b)∗c=(a∗b)–2c=(a–2b)–2c=a–2b–2c(a∗b)∗c=(a∗b)–2c=(a–2b)–2c=a–2b–2c
and

a∗(b∗c)=a–2(b∗c)=a–2(b–2c)=a–2b–2ca∗(b∗c)=a–2(b∗c)=a–2(b–2c)=a–2b–2c
Thus, the operation defined as above is not associative.

3. Distributive Operation:
Let ∗∗ and ∗‘∗‘ be two binary operations defined on a set GG. Then the operation ∗‘∗‘ is said to be
left distributive with respect to operation ∗∗ if
a∗‘(b∗c)=(a∗‘b)∗(a∗‘c)a∗‘(b∗c)=(a∗‘b)∗(a∗‘c) for all a,b,c∈Ga,b,c∈G
and is said to be right distributive with respect to ∗∗ if
(b∗c)∗‘a=(b∗‘a)∗(c∗‘a)(b∗c)∗‘a=(b∗‘a)∗(c∗‘a) for all a,b,c∈Ga,b,c∈G
Whenever the operation ∗‘∗‘ is left as well as right distributive, we simply say that ∗‘∗‘ is distributive
with respect to ∗∗.

F. ELEMENTARY LOGIC
Logic is the science of formal principle of reasoning or correct inference. It is the study of the principles
and methods used to distinguish valid arguments from those that are not valid. Logic has vital application
in the various fields of human endeavor.
Mathematical logic is the study of reasoning in mathematics. Mathematical reasoning is deductive;
meaning it consists of drawing conclusions from given hypotheses. Hence, the basic concept is that a
statement is a logical consequences of some other statements.
Logic is the statement of ordered thoughts starting from axioms and resulting in a conclusion. There are
many rules and formalities for mathematical logic which ensure that truth is maintained all throughout the
logical argument. Once a conclusion is successfully built it can be used with confidence as an axiom in
another different logical argument.
In logic, argument is defined as any group of statements or propositions, one of which is claimed to
follow from the others, which are then alleged to provide basis for the truth of that one. In categorical
syllogism, an argument involves two premises and a single conclusion.

G. FORMALITY
Formality is a relational concept: an expression can be more or less formal relative to another expression,
entailing an ordering of expressions; yet, no expression can be absolutely formal or absolutely informal.
All linguistic expressions is somewhere in amidst these two extremes: absolute formality and absolute
informality.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

A Formal expression is completely formal when it is context-independent, non-fuzzy and precise, that is,
it represents a clear distinction which is invariant under changes of context.

10. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1. Definition of Terms
a. Language
b. Mathematical language
c. Mathematical sentences
d. Open sentence
e. Closed sentence
f. Mathematical expressions
g. Context
h. Convention
i. Functions
j. Binary operations
k. Binary number
l. Binary operation
m. Logic
n. Mathematical logic
o. Argument
p. Formality
2. Give 10 examples of mathematical expressions.
3. Give 10 examples of mathematical sentence.

Poor Fair Good

1 pts 3 pts 5 pts

The definition of the A definition of the The correct definition is

Vocabulary Definition vocabulary word is not vocabulary word is used, and is complete.
included on the page or incomplete.
the wrong definition is
written.

11. ASSIGNMENT

a. Differentiate between a natural language and mathematical language.

b. Explain Mathematics is a language in itself. Hence, it is useful in communicating important
mathematical ideas.

ESSAY Poor Fair Good

2 pts 3 pts 5 pts

Limited content with Sufficiently developed Substantial specific

CONTENT inadequate elaboration content with adequate and/or illustrative
or explanation elaboration or content demonstrating
explanation. strong development
and sophisticated
ideas.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.2:GEMATH-1S-2020-2021

Gives some new Somewhat informative Very informative and

ORGANIZATION information but poorly and organized. organized
organized.

A number of wrong Few spelling and Virtually, no wrong

GRAMMAR AND spelling, punctuations punctuations errors, spelling, punctuation or
MECHANICS or grammatical errors. minor grammatical grammatical errors.
errors.

12. REFERENCES

A) Book/Printed Resources
Marie-Franie J. Frany et al. Fundamentals of Probability and Statistics for Engineering
Ronald H. Howell et al., (2013).Principles of Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning 7th Edition
David V. Chadderton, (2014).Air conditioning a Practical Introduction 3rd Edition
Adam, John A. Mathematics in Nature: Modelling Patterns in the Natural World
Adam, John A. Mathematical Nature Walk
Aufman, R. et al. mathematical Excursions ( Chaps 1,2,3,4,5,8,11, and 13) 3 rd Ed (International Edition)
COMAO Inc. For all Practical Purposes, Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics, 2 nd Ed.
Fisher, Carol Burns, The Language of Mathematics
Fisher, Carol Burns, The Language and Grammar of Mathematics
Hersh, R., What is Mathematics Really? (Chaps. 4 & 5)
Johnson and Mowry. Mathematics a Practical Odyssey ( Chap 12)
Moser and Chen. A Student Guide to Coding and Information Theory
Stewart, Ian. Nature’sw Numbers
Vistro-Yu, C. Geometry: Shapes, Patterns and Designs

B) e-Resources
https://nptel.ac.in/courses/112105128/

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