University of Cebu – Online Classes

Math 101 –
Math’cs in the Modern World

1st Semester: MW 1:30 – 3:00 PM

Dr. Richard T. Alcantara

 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols

Desired Learning Outcomes:

❑ Discuss the language, symbols, and conventions of

mathematics.
❑ Explain the nature of mathematics as a language.
❑ Recognize that mathematics is a useful language.
❑ Compare and contrast expressions and sentences in
mathematics.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Definition of Language:

❑ Language is a systematic way of

communication with other people with the
use of sounds or convention symbols.
❑ Language is very powerful. It is used to
express our emotions, thoughts, and ideas.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Definition of Mathematical Language:
❑ Mathematical language is a system used in the field
of mathematics to communicate mathematical ideas,
concepts, and theories among others.
❑ It is distinct and unique from the usual language that
people are used to.
❑ It is used to communicate abstract and logical ideas.
❑ Mathematics is hard for others to study because they
are overwhelmed with numbers, operations, symbols,
and formulas.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Three (3) Nature or Characteristics of Mathematical
Language:

❑ These are being precise, being concise, and being powerful.

❑ Precision of mathematical language means the
language is able to make very fine distinctions of things.
❑ Conciseness is able to say things briefly.
❑ Mathematical language being Powerful is expressing
complex thoughts with relative ease, being understood by
most readers.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Common Mathematical Symbols:
❑ Mathematical Symbols are used to refer to certain
quantities, concepts, and ideas among others.
❑ The most commonly used in basic mathematics are;
> numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, [digits]
> four fundamental symbols of operation +, -, ×, /; and
> inequality symbols ≠, ≤, ≥, < >, and equal sign =.
> Set Notations:
> Logic Symbols:

❑ Mathematics is a universal language.

 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Common Mathematical Symbols:
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Mathematical Expressions vs Mathematical Sentences

❑ A mathematical expression is the mathematical analog of

an English noun; a correct arrangement of mathematical
symbols used to represent a mathematical object of
interest.
❑ It does NOT state a complete thought and does NOT make
sense to ask if an expression is true or false.
❑ In mathematics areas, e.g. Algebra, the most common
expressions are numbers, sets, and functions.
Example: 5; 7x; 3y – 1; etc.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Mathematical Expressions vs Mathematical Sentences

❑ A mathematical sentence is the mathematical analog of an

English sentence and is a correct arrangement of
mathematical symbols that state a complete thought.
❑ Hence, it makes sense to ask if a sentence is true, false,
sometimes true, or sometimes false.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Three (3)Mathematical Language:
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Mathematical Expressions vs Mathematical Sentences
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Conventions in Mathematical Language
❑ Mathematical Conventions is a fact, name, notation, or usage
which is generally agreed upon by mathematicians.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Conventions in Mathematical Language
❑ Mathematical Conventions is a fact, name, notation, or usage
which is generally agreed upon by mathematicians.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Mathematical Technical Terms & Jargons
❑ Technical Terms – Power, Group, Ring, Fields, etc.
❑ Special Terms – Fractal, Infinity, Asymptote, etc.
❑ Taxonomy – Axiom, Theorem, lemmas, corollaries, etc.
❑ Mathematical Phrase/Jargon - if and only if; necessary &
sufficient, and without loss of generality.
❑ Mathematics Vocabularies – Coordinate; Absolute Value;
Array, Slope, etc.
❑ Mathematical Notation has its own grammar- variables &
constants; formula left-to-right; Latin alphabet; etc.
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols

➢Mathematics is like any

other language, you must
first know the vocabulary to
understand it!
 Module 2: Mathematical Language & Symbols
Group Assessment Task:
❑ In a group of three (3) members, discuss the
characteristics of the language of mathematics and
give examples to supplement your explanation.
Nature or Characteristics of Mathematical Language Examples

1. The language of Mathematics is Precise

Explain: ________________________________________ ___________________
2. The language of Mathematics is Concise
Explain: ________________________________________ ___________________
3. The language of Mathematics is Powerful
Explain: ________________________________________ ___________________

Note: Only the designated leader will submit in the LMS.

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