Mathematical Language and

Symbols

Daisy A. Romeo
Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 1

 What is a language?

a systematic means of communicating by the use of

sounds or conventional symbols
a system of words used in a particular discipline

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 2

 Components of a language:

A vocabulary of symbols or words

A grammar consisting of rules of how these symbols
may be used
A ’syntax’ or propositional structure, which places
the symbols in linear structures.
A community of people who use and understand
these symbols
A range of meanings that can be communicated
with these symbols

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 3

The vocabulary of mathematics
MathematicalPnotation has assimilated symbols.
(α, φ, π, , σ, , ℵ, C, R, Q, Z, ∀, ∼, ', ≡, ∨, ∧, →, ↔
, ∪, ∩)
Mathematics has its own brand of technical terminology.
(factor, exponent, polynomial, group, ring, field, nets,
weavings )
Mathematical statements have their own moderately
complex taxonomy.
(axioms, conjectures, theorems, lemmas, corollaries)

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 4

The grammar of mathematics

The mathematical notation used for formulas has its own

grammar, not dependent on a specific natural language,
but shared internationally by mathematicians regardless
of their mother tongues.
dy
(sinx + acos2x ≥ 0, f (x), )
dx

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 5

The language community of mathematics

Mathematics is used by mathematicians.

It is also used by students of mathematics.

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 6

The meanings of mathematics

Used to communicate information about a wide

range of different subjects.
Describes abstract structures.

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 7

 The general rules of mathematics as a language:

PRECISE - able to make very fine distinctions

(definitions)
CONCISE - able to say things briefly (symbols)
POWERFUL - able to express complex thoughts
with relative ease.

Math031 - Mathematics in the Modern World 8