Module 2.

Mathematical
Language and Symbols
Mathematical Phrases and Sentences
Mathematical Expressions vs. Mathematical Sentences

Rosiebel A. Abao, MSciEd Characteristics of Mathematical Language

Translation of Mathematical Statement Into an Equation
Common Symbol and Error
 Intended learning outcomes
At the end of this module, the learner should be able to:

 Discuss the language, symbols and conventions of

mathematics;
 Distinguish mathematical expression from mathematical
sentence;
 Express mathematical statement into symbols;
 Enumerate symbols and notation that commonly used in
mathematics; and
 Appreciate mathematics as a body of symbols and notations.
Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 2 9/7/2022
 What is mathematical language?
 It is a system used in the field of mathematics to
communicate mathematical ideas, concepts, and
theories among people.
Mathematics as a language examples
Examples What they usually mean

Start of the alphabet: a, b, c, ... constants (fixed values)

From i to n: i, j, k, l, m, n positive integers (for counting)

End of the alphabet: ... x, y, z variables (unknowns)

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 3 9/7/2022

 What is mathematical Symbols?
 Used to refer to certain quantities, concepts, and
ideas among other things.

Common symbols:
o Numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …, 9)
o Fundamental symbols of operation (+, −, ×, ÷)
o Inequality symbols (≠, ≤, ≥, <, >)
o Equality symbol (=)

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 4 9/7/2022

 2.1. Mathematical Phrases and Sentences,
Expressions and Sentences

“In order to understand the universe, you must know

the language in which it is written and that language is
Mathematics.” – Galileo Galilei
Several problems in people’s lives can be expressed in
words and can be translated into mathematical symbols
before they can be solved.

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 5 9/7/2022

 Characteristics of Mathematical Language

The language of mathematics is the structure used by

mathematicians to communicate mathematically. Mathematical
language may be characterized into three terms: it is precise,
concise, and powerful.
1. Precise – mathematical language is a detailed and accurate
expression.
2. Concise – mathematical language provides clear information in
a few words, brief but comprehensive.
3. Powerful – mathematical language expresses complex
thoughts with a comparative event.

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 6 9/7/2022

 Mathematics is a universal language, the only one shared
by all human beings regardless of culture, religion, or gender.

Basic Operations in Mathematics (Mathematical Phrases)

Addition (+) Subtraction (−) Multiplication (×) Division (÷)

Plus Minus Times Quotient
Added to Subtract Twice Split into
The sum of Difference Thrice Divided by
The total of Subtracted from Factor Ratio of
Increased by Subtracted by Multiplied by All over
More than Product of

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 7 9/7/2022

 Mathematical Expressions vs. Mathematical Sentences

Defining mathematical expression is similar to the meaning of

English sentences. Mathematical Phrase is the correct arrangement of
mathematical symbols used to represent mathematical object but not
a complete thought.

Mathematical expression – mathematical analogue of an English noun.

Mathematical sentence – mathematical analogue of an English

sentence.

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 8 9/7/2022

 Table 1. Demonstrates the difference between mathematical expressions
and mathematical sentences.

English Mathematics
Person, place, things, events, etc. Expression

Examples: Jose, Juan, Irene Examples: 25, 8 + 5, 𝑓(𝑥) =

2𝑥 − 4
Sentence Sentence

Example: Examples:
The province of Gingoog City is a 2 + 9 = 11
province in Region 10. 40 − 5 = 35

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 9 9/7/2022

 2.2. Translation of Mathematical Statement
Into an Equation

The previous lesson differentiated mathematical

expression is a phrase which contains members, variables, and
operations to show the value of something while the statement
that show two expressions equal to each other is called
mathematical equation.
Mathematical statement is a sentence which is either true or false.
Example:
“The square root of 4 is 5.” (which is obviously false)
“The sum of 2 and 5 is 7.” (which is true)
Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 10 9/7/2022
 Let’s translate!

Mathematical Statement −> Mathematical Equation

The square root of 4 is 5 −> 4=5

The sum of 2 and 5 is 7 −> 2 + 5 = 7

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 11 9/7/2022

 2.3. Common Symbol and Error

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 12 9/7/2022

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 13 9/7/2022
 There are conventions to follow in writing algebraic
expressions. The common errors to avoid are listed Table 3.2.

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 14 9/7/2022

 NOTE:
An Exercises will follow via
Google Classroom.

Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 15 9/7/2022

 Thank you and
God bless you all!
Rosiebel A Abao, MSciEd 16 9/7/2022