#2 Mathematics in the Modern World

FLEX Course Material

discuss the language,
symbols, and conventions
of mathematics (K)
explain the nature of
mathematics as a

Mathematical
language (K)
acknowledge that
mathematics is a useful
language (V)
Language and
Symbols

CEAS
Science and Mathematics
Department
 FOCAL POINTS
Is Mathematics a Universal Language?

Characteristics of Mathematical Language

Expression VS Sentences

Conventions in the Mathematical Language

Propositions and Symbols

Forms of Conditional Proposition

Week #3
Time Allotment: 1 week/4 hours

• Pre Assessment Page 3

?
• Lesson 1
Mathematical Language Page 4
Video: Math isn’t hard, it’s a language Page 5
Video: Is math a language? Page 7
Video: Math is really a universal language Page 8

• Lesson 2
Propositions and Symbols Page 10

INSIDE • Summary Page 24

• Key Terms Page 25

• Assessment Task Page 26

• Answer Key Page 27

• References Page 28
 PRE-ASSESSMENT

SYNONYMS
Identify the synonym, or closest meaning.

1) Ascend increase go up go down

2) Width depth breadth height
3) Definite certain complete possible
4) Vertical cross ways sloping up
5) Divide share half cut up
6) Subtract halve take away increase
7) Decrease go down reduce empty
8) Horizontal across down up
9) Multiply times add extra
10) Length how wide how long how thick

• The pre-assessment in not graded.

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#1

Mathematical
Language

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 In the previous chapter,
The Nature of Mathematics, you
learned how Mathematics played
a role in arts and nature. That
math is about study of patterns.
And how math lets us view the
world in different perspective.
Mathematical
In this Chapter, Mathematics as
Language
Language, you will once again view math in
another perspective. To know more about
ᜁᜎᜊ᜔ᜋᜆ᜔ what I am talking about, watch the
enlightening video which you can find by
Can you translate this? clicking the link here or by scanning the QR
code above.

Let’s begin! What is a Language?

Definition
• Language is “a systematic means of
communicating by the use of sound or
conventional symbols” (Chen, 2010, p. 353).
It is the code humans use as a form of
expressing themselves and communicating
with others. It may also be defined as a
system of words used in a particular
discipline.

Language facilitates communication

and clarifies meaning. It allows people to
express themselves and maintains their
identity.

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 Likewise, language bridges the gap
among people from varying origins and
culture without prejudice to their background
and upbringing. The study of language
teaches and encourages respect for other
people. It is also an avenue to discover
cultures.
Mathematical
Language
We can be living in same location but
have different languages. Moreover, every
field has their own language. For example, ᜁᜎᜊ᜔ᜋᜆ᜔
“sin” in Religion is an immoral act however in
Math “sin” is a trigonometric function. An “LP”
for a Meteorologist means Low Pressure and
for a Teacher it simply means Lesson Plan.

OMG ILY IRL, JK! Even in the world wide

web, humans have developed their own
language. Jejemon and Bekimon are some
other notable trending languages in the
Philippines.

Did you know?

My language professor
taught me that there are
around 120 to 180 languages
and dialects in the Philippines.
I only know 1; Tagalog, huhu,
sad face.
Use your QR scanner to know
more.

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Mathematical
Language

Language Components

These definitions describe language in

terms of the following components:
• a vocabulary of symbols or words
• a grammar consisting of rules on the
use of these symbols.
Did you know?
• a community of people who use and Have you notice the Greek
understand these symbols. letters in the cover page? It is
engraved at the door of Plato’s
• a range of meaning that can be
Academy, a school founded by
communicated with these symbols. Plato himself, in Athens.

Click the link to know more.

Hmmm... Is math really a
https://www.dialogues-de-
language? Watch another
platon.org/faq/faq009.htm
video by clicking the link
here.

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 • Mathematics is a system of communication
about objects like numbers, variables, sets,
operations, functions, and equations. It is a
collection of both symbols and their
meaning shared by global community of
people who have an interest in the subject.
Regardless of where in the world learners of
Mathematical math come from or what language they
Language speak, they will likely understand what those
symbol mean.
In the paragraph on the right, identify the
words which are associated with:
Vocabulary
Grammar So, is Mathematics a language?
Community of People
Definitely.
Range of Meaning

• Is Math a Universal Language?

To read more about the article, by Anne Here are the key takeaways from an online
article By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., click here.

(Updated June 27, 2019)

Key Takeaways: Why Math is a Language?

1. In order to be considered a language, a
system of communication must have
vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and people
who use and understand it.
2. Mathematics meets this definition of a
language. Linguists who don't consider
Watch this short video. math a language cite its use as a written
rather than spoken form of
communication.
3. Math is a universal language. The symbols
and organization to form equations are
the same in every country of the world.

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Expression VS Sentence
A sentence must contain a complete
thought. In English language an ordinary
sentence must contain a subject and a
predicate. An expression is a name given to
mathematical object of interest.
Mathematical
Language

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 1 and figure 2 shows a

comparison and contrast of English and
Mathematics as languages. In English, the
subject can be a noun which could specifically
be a person, place or thing. On the other
hand, for Mathematics, the subject turns to be
the numbers, sets, functions or matrices.
While, the sentences formed using the
respective expressions in both languages may
either be true, false, and sometimes true or
sometimes false.

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 Here are some examples of expression for
English and Math languages:

English Politician
Philippines
Covid-19 Pandemic
Math 𝑥−𝑦
Mathematical ℝ
Language 𝑓(𝑥)

And here are some examples of a sentence for

A sentence that is “Always False” is the English and Math languages:
same as saying that it is ”Never True”.

English Philippines elected corrupt politicians.

Other countries are winning the battle
against Covid-19 pandemic.
This module is exercising its freedom of
speech.
Math 𝑥+3=𝑦−2
𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
𝑥∈ℝ

Truth of Sentences
Analyze whether the following sentences is
Always True, Sometimes True or Never True.
1. Interior angles of a triangle add up to 180°.
2. x + 5 = 5 − x
3. A shape with four sides is a rectangle.
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4. x
=x

5. The radius of circle is equal to its diameter.

6. The sum of even numbers is divisible by
four.
Note: If you were able to answer at least 4 questions
correctly then thank your high school math teachers.

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 Characteristics of Mathematical Language

Precise
• It can make very fine distinction or definition
Mathematical among a set of mathematical symbols.

Language
Concise
• It can express otherwise long exposition or
sentences briefly using the language of
mathematics

Powerful
• One can express complex thought with
relative ease.
Example: “The sum of any two real number is
also real number” written as ∀𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ, 𝑎 + 𝑏 ∈
ℝ.

Mathematical Symbols
Mathematics is a branch of science
which is composed of several fields. There are
several symbols being used for each field of
mathematics. Check this site for the list of
math symbols.

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#2

Propositions
and Symbols

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 Logic allows us to determine
the validity of arguments in and
out of mathematics. It highlights
the importance of precision and
Propositions and conciseness of the language of
Symbols mathematics.

Definition
• A Proposition is a declarative
sentence that can be classified
as true or false, but not both.
There are other types of
sentences where true or false
values cannot be assigned. The
sentence “This article is false” is
one example. If we assume that
it is true, then it is false; if we
assume that it is false, then it is
true. Thus, the sentence cannot
be classified as either true or
false, so it is not a proposition. A
self-contradictory proposition
like this is called a paradox.

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Exercise:
Proposition or Not a Proposition

Which of the following is a

proposition?

1) Philippines is a province of China. Propositions and

2) Blink three times.
Symbols
3) Aaron is a medical front liner.
4) The number 4 is even and less
than 12.

Simple proposition – a proposition that

conveys one thought with no connecting
words.
Example: Secretary Duque is doing a
good job in protecting our health
workers.

Compound proposition – contains two or

more simple propositions that are put
together using connective words.
Example: Atty. Roque is the best in
cracking jokes and Atty. Panelo is
the most viral legal counsel.

Words that make up a compound

proposition are called component
statements.

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 Types of Compound Proposition
Conjunction ( ∧ )
E.g. China have Xi Jinping AND Philippines have
Rodrigo Duterte.

Disjunction ( ∨ )
Inclusive Disjunction (OR)
Propositions and E.g. I will pay the whole hospital bill OR I will get
Symbols a Philhealth subsidy.

Take note of the symbols for each

compound proposition. You will use it later Exclusive Disjunction (XOR)
in translation of compound propositions to
symbols. E.g. I am either covid-19 positive or negative.

Disjunction. There are two ways the

word or is used in English. Conditional ( → )
The inclusive or is true when at least
one of the two propositions is true. E.g. IF the company is not granted a franchise
The Exclusive or is true when exactly THEN they will not be allowed to air in free TV.
one (but not both) of two propositions
is true.

Biconditional ( ⟷ )
Conjunction of two conditional statements
where the antecedent/premise and
consequent/conclusion of the first statement
have been switched in the second statement.
E.g. Two sides of a triangle are congruent IF AND
ONLY IF the two angles opposite them are
congruent.

Negation ( ∼ )
The negation of a given statement is a
statement that is false whenever the given
statement is true, and true whenever the given
statement is false.
E.g. Philippines is winning against the Covid-19
pandemic.
Negation: Philippines is NOT winning against the
Covid-19 pandemic.

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Types of Compound Proposition
Classify each proposition as simple or
compound. Then, classify each
compound proposition as a negation,
conjunction, disjunction, conditional, or
biconditional. Propositions and
a. You are entitled to avail a housing Symbols
loan if you are a member of Pag-
ibig.
(Ans: Compound, Conditional)

b. GCQ is relaxed, but we need to

revert to stricter ECQ to contain
the virus.
(Ans: Compound, Conjunction)

c. Either he has symptoms of Covid-

19 or he is asymptomatic.
(Ans: Compound, Disjunction)

d. Philippines is now on second wave

of Covid-19 cases.
(Ans: Simple Proposition)

e. Face to face classes will resume if

and only if everyone is given a
vaccine.
(Ans: Compound, Biconditional)

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 Exercise:
Propositions and
Types of Compound Proposition
Symbols
Classify each proposition as simple
or compound. Then, classify each
compound proposition as a
negation, conjunction, disjunction,
conditional, or biconditional.

1. Tony is absent and Raquel is

absent, and today is
examination day.
2. Either Jay passed the test, or
Lina passed the Test and Jon
failed.
3. If I did not enroll this term,
then I will be busy doing my
vlogs.
4. If my brother pays the water
bill and I pay the electricity,
then my mother would be
very happy.

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Math language being powerful lets you
express complex thought with relative
ease. And a way to do this is by using
symbols and representations.

For example: Propositions and

Let P represent the proposition “He is Symbols
Covid-19 positive” and
Q represent the proposition “He is a
senior citizen.”

Convert each compound propositions

into symbols
a. He is not Covid-19 positive, or he
is not a senior citizen.
(Answer: ~𝑃 ∨ ~𝑄 )
b. It is not the case that he is Covid-
19 positive or is a senior citizen.
(Answer: ~(𝑃 ∨ 𝑄 ) )
c. He is Covid-19 positive and he is a
senior citizen.
(Answer: 𝑃 ∧ 𝑄 )
d. If he is Covid-19 positive, then he
is not a senior citizen.
(Answer: 𝑃 → ~𝑄 )
e. He is Covid-19 positive if and only
if he is a senior citizen.
(Answer: 𝑃 ↔ 𝑄 )

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 Symbols can express otherwise long
exposition or sentence briefly.

For example:
Let P represent the proposition “Robin
plays the piano”, and
Propositions and Q represent the proposition “Tom plays
Symbols the guitar.”
Convert each symbolic statement in
words.
a. 𝑃∨𝑄
b. 𝑃∧𝑄
c. 𝑃∨∼𝑄
d. ∼𝑃∨𝑄
e. ∼𝑃∧∼𝑄

Answers:
a. Robin plays the piano or Tom plays
the guitar.
b. Robin plays the piano and Tom plays
the guitar.
c. Robin plays the piano or Tom does
not play the guitar.
d. Robin does not play the piano or
Tom plays the guitar
e. Robin does not play the piano and
Tom does not play the guitar.

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 Try this!

Let P = “Leni is a good leader”

Q = “Leni is a good example”
R = “Cynthia thinks like a businessman”
Propositions and
S = “Cynthia is good with insensitivity” Symbols

Convert each compound propositions

into symbols
1. Leni is a good leader and a good
example, but Cynthia is good with
insensitivity.
2. Cynthia does not think like a
businessman and Leni is not a good
example.
3. If Cynthia thinks like a businessman
and she is good with insensitivity,
then Leni is a good leader or a good
example.
4. Cynthia does not think like a
businessman nor is good with
insensitivity.
5. Cynthia is good with insensitivity if
and only if, Leni is a good leader and
a good example.

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Propositions and
Symbols
Use your QR scanner to see
more examples and practice
exercises.
Forms of Conditional Proposition
Suppose P and Q are propositions. The
proposition 𝑃→𝑄 (read as “if P then Q”) is
called an implication. P is called premise or
hypothesis and Q is called conclusion.
Example: P: I study my modules,
Q: I still don’t have an
allowance.
𝑃→𝑄: If I study my modules, then still don’t
have an allowance.
• Converse, Inverse, Contrapositive
Suppose P and Q are propositions. Given
the implication 𝑃 → 𝑄(if P then Q).
Converse is 𝑄 → 𝑃 (if Q then P)
Inverse is ~𝑃 → ~𝑄 (if not P then not Q)
Contrapositive ~𝑄 → ~𝑃 (if not Q then not P)
Can you tell me the converse, inverse and
contrapositive of the previous example?
Too Easy? Now try answering the exercise
Exercise:
below.
Forms of Conditional Proposition
Give the converse, inverse, and
contrapositive of the following implications.
a) If a number is greater than 2, then its
square is greater than 4.
b) if p is a number greater than 2, then it is
odd.
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Negation of Propositions
1. Negation of a Negation:
~ ~𝑃 ≡ 𝑃
E.g. Proposition: ABS CBN does not have a violation.
Negation: ABS CBN does have a violation

2. Negation of a Conjunction: Propositions and

~ 𝑃⋀𝑄 ≡ ~𝑃 ‫𝑄~ ڀ‬ Symbols
E.g. Proposition: Today is a holiday and the next day
is not a holiday. The symbol ≡ means congruent or
Negation: Today is not a holiday or the next identical. It is read as “is congruent to” or
“is identical to”.
day is a holiday.

3. Negation of Disjunction:
~ 𝑃 ‫𝑄~ ⋀𝑃~ ≡ 𝑄 ڀ‬
E.g. Proposition: I will study hard or I will not relax
and chill.
Negation: I will not study hard and I will relax
and chill.

4. Negation of Conditional:
~(𝑃 → 𝑄) ≡ 𝑃⋀~Q
E.g. Proposition: If you will pass a good
performance task, then you will get a good
grade.
Negation: You will pass a good performance
task and you will not get a good grade.

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 Now try this!

A. Negate the following propositions:

1. Either he prefers synchronous or
asynchronous remote learning
2. Tony is absent and Raquel is absent.
Propositions and
3. If the music is playing, then I cannot
Symbols
concentrate

B. Convert each symbolic statement in

words.
Let P represent the proposition “Ted
believes in coincidence” and
Q represent the proposition “Sheldon
believes in calculated probabilities.”

1. 𝑃 ∨ 𝑄
2. 𝑃 ∧ 𝑄
3. ∼ (𝑃 → 𝑄)
4. ∼ (𝑃 ∨∼ 𝑄)
5. ∼ (𝑃 ∧ 𝑄)

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 SUMMARY

• Is Mathematics a Universal Language?

• Characteristics of Mathematical Language

• Expression VS Sentences

• Conventions in the Mathematical Language

• Propositions and Symbols

• Forms of Conditional Proposition

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 KEY TERMS

• Language

• Characteristics of Mathematical Language

• Precise
• Concise
• Powerful

• Propositions
• Simple and Compound

• Conjunction

• Disjunction

• Conditional
• Converse
• Inverse
• Contrapositive

• Biconditional

• Negation
 ASSESSMENT TASK

Mathematics in the Modern World

Module 2- Mathematics as a Language and Symbols
Assessment Task:
A. Multiple Choice: 10 points
B. Essay: 16 points
Submission Due: September 7 & 8

A. MULTIPLE CHOICE INSTRUCTION

Your instructor will provide a link to the test via Microsoft Teams. Test will be
available on September 3 or 4, depending in the class schedule.

B. ESSAY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Using a document file, submit your essay via Microsoft Teams. Do not forget to include
your Name, Student Number, Section and Date of Submission inside the file.
2. Please follow the following the format:
Paper Size: A4; Font: Times New Roman; Font Size: 12; Spacing: Double
File Name: [Section]_[Last Name]_[First Name]_Chapter 2.docx
3. Write your answer in English. All answers must be original and your own. Answers
copied online (even one sentence) will receive a grade of zero.
4. The essay is worth 16 points. (See rubrics below for grading)

Item: Reflect and discuss the importance of

Mathematics as a universal language.

GRADING AND RUBRIC: Each item will be graded according to the following:
Features Expert (4 pts.) Accomplished (3 Capable (2 pts.) Beginner (1 pt.)
pts.)
Ideas Presents ideas in Presents ideas in Ideas are too Ideas are vague
an original a consistent general or unclear
manner manner
Organization Strong and Organized Some No organization
organized organization
Understanding Writing shows Writing shows a Writing shows Writing shows
strong clear adequate little
understanding understanding understanding understanding
Grammar, Usage Virtually no Few spelling and Several spelling, So many spelling,
& Mechanics spelling, punctuation punctuation or punctuation and
punctuation or errors, minor grammatical grammatical
grammatical grammatical errors errors that it
errors errors interferes with
the meaning

Adopted and revised version of https://www.thoughtco.com/essay-rubric-2081367

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 ANSWER KEY

Answer to Exercises

Page 3 1) go up; 2) breadth; 3) certain; 4) up; 5) share; 6) take

away; 7) reduce; 8) across; 9) times; 10) how long

Page 10 1) Always True; 2) Sometimes True

3) Sometimes True 4) Sometimes True
5) Never True 6) Sometimes True

Page 14 1) P; 2) NP; 3) P; 4) P

Page 17 1) Conjunction 2) Disjunction and Conjunction

3) Conditional 4) Conditional and Conjunction

Page 20 1) 𝑃 ∧ 𝑄 ∧ 𝑆; 2) ∼ 𝑅 ∧ ∼ 𝑄
3) (𝑅 ∧ 𝑆) → (𝑃 ∨ 𝑄); 4) ∼ 𝑅 ∨∼ 𝑆
5) S ↔ 𝑃 ∧ 𝑄

Page 23 A 1) He does not prefer synchronous and asynchronous

remote learning.
2) Tony is not absent, or Raquel is not absent.
3) The music is playing, and I can concentrate.

Page 23 B 1) Ted believes in coincidence or Sheldon believes in

calculated probabilities.
2) Ted believes in coincidence and Sheldon believes in
calculated probabilities.
3) Ted believes in coincidence and Sheldon does not
believe in calculated probabilities.
4) Ted does not believe in coincidence and Sheldon
believes in calculated probabilities.
5) Ted does not believe in coincidence or Sheldon does
not believe in calculated probabilities.

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 REFERENCES

Nocon, R.C. & Nocon, E.G. (2016). Essential Mathematics for the
Modern World. Philippines: C & E Publishing, Inc.

Jamison, R.E. (2000). Learning the language of Mathematics.

Language and Learning across the Disciplines, 4(1), 45-54.
Retrieved from https://wac.colostate.edu/llad/v4n1/jamison.pdf.

Rosen, K. (2019). Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications (8th

Edition). New York: McGraw Hill.

Burns, Carol JVF. (2016, April 4). The Language of Mathematics.

One Mathematical Cat, Please!. Retrieved from
http://www.onemathematicalcat.org/cat_book.htm.

Burns, Carol JVF. (nd). The Language and Grammar of

Mathematics. Retrieved from
http://assets.press.princeton.edu/chapters/gowers/gowers_I_2.p
df.

Moser Chen (2012). A Student’s Guide to Coding and Information

Theory. Cambridge University Press.

NobleStudentFilms. Is Math a Language?. 2010,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw-fXwJjcAg&t=44s.

TEDx Talks. Math isn't hard, it's a language

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6yixyiJcos

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