Mathematics in the Modern World

Module 1 – Lesson 4
Mathematics as a Language
Edgar M. Adina
Lesson 4: Mathematics as a Language

Most students have problems understanding mathematical

concepts not because they are difficult but because the ideas are
presented in the language of math.
Students should be given opportunities to understand the language
of mathematics so that they can correctly read and write
mathematical symbols which they can use effectively to solve math
problems.
Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson, students
should be able to:
1. classify group of words or symbols as mathematical
expressions or mathematical sentences; and
2. identify the verbs in mathematical sentences.
Introduction

Learning Mathematics Language Development

Language of Written
A Symbolic Formalism
b Formal
s
t
r Connecting Vocabulary
a
c
t
i Common
o Kinesthetic Language of Oral
n Understanding
Mathematical Language: Art of Discourse

RHETORIC

Definition

Theorem

Proof
Mathematical Language: Art of Discourse

Grammar and Syntax Logic

manner by which
symbols and words Soundness of thought
are put together to and reasoning
form a complete
thought
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Comprehensive
The mathematical language has a set of vocabulary and parts of
speech.
➢ Noun (numbers) – represent quantities
➢ Pronoun (variables) – letters/symbols to represent numbers
➢ Verbs (relation symbols) – used for comparison or relations
➢ Connectives (operations) – serve to link numbers and symbols
➢ Punctuations (grouping symbols) – used to gather and cluster a
group of numbers and operators
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Concise
The mathematical language is non-ambiguous, never rambles
extraneous or unnecessary information.

Example: A well-stated definition

A rectangle is a quadrilateral all four angles of which are all right
angles.

Species Genus
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Concise
Example: A well-stated definition
A rectangle is a quadrilateral all four angles of which are all right
angles.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a parallelogram in which the diagonals have the
same length and all the angles are right angles. It can be inscribed in a circle
and its area is given by the product of two adjacent sides.
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Concise
Example: A well-stated definition
A rectangle is a quadrilateral all four angles of which are all right
angles.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a parallelogram in which the diagonals have the
same length and all the angles are right angles. It can be inscribed in a circle
and its area is given by the product of two adjacent sides.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a parallelogram whose diagonals are of
equal length.
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Concise
Example: A well-stated definition
A rectangle is a quadrilateral all four angles of which are all right
angles.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a parallelogram in which the diagonals have the
same length and all the angles are right angles. It can be inscribed in a circle
and its area is given by the product of two adjacent sides.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a parallelogram whose diagonals are of
equal length.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a quadrilateral with right angles.
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Concise
Example: A well-stated definition
A rectangle is a quadrilateral all four angles of which are all right
angles.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a parallelogram in which the diagonals have the
same length and all the angles are right angles. It can be inscribed in a circle
and its area is given by the product of two adjacent sides.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a parallelogram whose diagonals are of
equal length.
Bad Definition: A rectangle is a quadrilateral with right angles.
Wrong Definition: Rectangle : has right angles
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Precise
The mathematical language is systematic. It uses symbols to
make it accurate and exact.

Example:
1
Use 𝜋 rather than 3.14; 3
rather than 0.33; 𝜙 rather than 1.618
Characteristics of the Mathematical Language

Powerful
The mathematical language can be applied in each and every
field.

Important theories in Physics, Economics, Biology, Engineering,

and other fields are stated in the language of mathematics.
Non-Temporal
The mathematical language has no tense of verbs.

The “is” 2000 years ago is still “is” today!

Mathematical Expression and Sentence
Mathematical Expression (“phrase” in the English Language)
- objects of interest, the subject in the ordinary language

Examples] 5 + 2 ; 3x + 4y

Mathematical Sentence
- a statement that combines mathematical expressions to form a
complete thought, it can regarded as true or false

Example] 5 + 2 = 49 ; 3x+4y=10
Exercise

Which of the following are sentences?

1. Manila is the capital of the Philippines.
2. The province of Cavite
3. The number 5 is a composite number.
4. 𝑥 + 1 2
5. 𝑥+1=3