MATHEMATICAL
LANGUAGE AND
SYMBOL
Mathematics
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Mathematical Language
LANGUAGE – systematic means of
and Symbols
communicating ideas or feelings by the
use of conventionalized signs, sounds,
gestures or marks having understood
meanings (Merriam-Webster, 2017).
MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE - system used to
communicate mathematical ideas
-it has its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, word order, synonyms,
negations, conventions, idioms, abbreviations, sentence structure and paragraph
structure
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CHARACTERISTICS OF
The use of language
MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
in
mathematics differs from the
language of ordinary speech in
three important ways (Jamison,
2000)
1. non-temporal – no past, present or
future
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CHARACTERISTICS OF
According to Dr.
MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
Carol Burns,
Mathematics language is:
1. precise - able to make very fine
distinction 2. concise – able to say things
briefly
3. powerful – able to express complex
thoughts with relative ease
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EXPRESSIONS AND SENTENCES
both English and
mathematical sentences have
verbs (e.g. equal sign)
Connectives: +
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OPERATIONAL TERMS AND SYMBOLS
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OPERATIONAL TERMS AND SYMBOLS
Symbo Terms
l
is, is equal to, equals, the result is, is
equivalent to
is less than, is under
is greater than, is more than, is higher than
is less than or equal to, is not more than, is at
most
is greater than or equal to, is not less than, is
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MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSIONS AND
Mathematical sentence
SENTENCES
- a correct arrangement of mathematical
symbols that states a complete thought
- can be true or false
Mathematical Expressions
- mathematical analogue of an English noun
- a correct arrangement of mathematical
symbols used to represent a mathematical
object of interest
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OPERATIONAL TERMS AND SYMBOLS
Mathematical expressions (algebraic
expressions)
- one or more numbers and/or variables that
are connected by the four fundamental
operations, raising to powers and extracting
roots, (example: 3x + 2y – 5)
Mathematical Sentence - makes a statement
about two expressions (use of equal, “>,<,”)
Variable
– represents the unknown and makes use of
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OPERATIONAL TERMS AND SYMBOLS
Constant
– represents any single number, i.e. 0, 1, 100, 3, , e,
φ, etc
Term – expression preceded by addition or subtraction
Literal coefficient – the unknown quantity in a
term (variable)
Numerical coefficient – the constant which
determines the number of times a variable is to be
multiplied.
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Translating Verbal Sentences to Mathematical
sentence/expression
To translate a verbal phrase into an algebraic
equation, identify the quantities involved and how
they are related. This process involves understanding
the operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division) and the role of equality in forming an
equation.
Example:
The sentence “The difference between 6 and a number is –
11."
Let’s Practice
Example:
Convert the phrase "three times a
number n decreased by 5" into a
mathematical sentence/expression.
Answer: (mathematical expression)
12
Let’s Practice
Example:
Write the mathematical
sum of a number x and –7 is –12.“
sentence/expression for the sentence: "The
Answer: (mathematical sentence)
13
Solution to Let’s Practice
The phrase "the sum of a number x and –7" translates to x + (–7).
Solution:
The phrase "is –12" translates to an equation x + (–7) = –12.
Thus, the algebraic equation is x + (–7) = –12.
14
Let’s Practice
Example:
Write the mathematical
sentence/expression for the sentence:
“Three times a number y
decreased by 4 is 17.”
Answer: (mathematical sentence)
15
Solution to Let’s Practice
Solution:
The phrase "three times a number y" translates to 3y.
The phrase "decreased by –4" translates to 3y – (–4).
The phrase "is 17" translates to an equation 3y – (–4) = 17.
Thus, the algebraic equation is 3y – (–4) = 17.
16
To be done individually
sentence: "A number x increased by 9
Write the algebraic equation for the
is –32.“
Answer: (mathematical sentence)
To be done individually
Translate in mathematical expression
three times a number z and 3 is 22.”
or sentence: “The difference between
Answer: (mathematical sentence)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
The sum of a number x and 7 is 12.
Answer: (mathematical sentence)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
Seven more than four times a number
x is 31.
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
Five less than twice a number x is 8.
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
Seven times the sum of a number x
and 9 equals 112.
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
The sum of twice a number x and 5 is
tripled to get 45.
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
Eight more than twice the difference
between a number y and 3 equals 20.
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
"twice the sum of a number n and 8“
Answer: (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
“5 less than three times a number 𝑛”
Answer: (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
"the quotient of a number 𝑚 and 4,
increased by 7"
Answer: or (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
"the product of 9 and the sum of a
number 𝑚 and 3"
Answer: (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
the sum of a number y and 6, divided by 2
Answer: or (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
twice the difference between a number n
and 3
Answer: (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
five less than the product of 3 and a
number y
Answer: (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
6 less than twice the sum of a number m
and 4
Answer: (ME)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
The sum of twice a number x and 5 is
tripled to get 45.
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
Eight more than twice the difference
between a number y and 3 equals 20.
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
the sum of 10 and a number is less than
17
Answer: (MS)
Translate to mathematical expression (ME) or mathematics sentence (MS):
The quotient of a number and 4 is not more
than 10
Answer: (MS)
Practical Applications
Understanding how to translate verbal sentences into
mathematical sentence/algebraic equations is a skill that has
extensive applications in various fields and everyday life. This
capability is not just confined to solving academic problems but
also extends to solving real-world challenges. The next slides
contain some practical applications.
Practical Applications
Budgeting and Finance
Individuals and families often need to manage their budgets based
on their income and expenses. By translating financial goals or
constraints into algebraic equations, one can determine the
maximum amount that can be spent on certain categories or the
necessary savings needed to achieve a financial goal. For example,
if a family knows their total monthly income and fixed expenses,
they can use an algebraic equation to calculate how much money
is left for discretionary spending.
Practical Applications
Construction and Architecture
In construction and architecture, algebraic equations are used to
calculate areas, volumes, and other necessary measurements for
designing and building structures. For instance, understanding the
relationship between the length, width, and height of a room can
help in calculating the amount of paint needed for the walls or the
volume of air conditioning required.
Practical Applications
Environmental Science
Algebraic equations are used to model environmental processes
and predict future states. For example, equations can model the
growth of populations, the spread of pollutants, or the change in
resource levels. This is crucial for planning conservation efforts,
pollution control, and sustainable resource management.
Practical Applications
Economics and Market Analysis
Economists use algebraic equations to model economic behaviors,
predict market trends, or understand the relationship between
different economic factors. For example, supply and demand curves
can be represented as algebraic equations, helping businesses and
policymakers make informed decisions.
Practical Applications
Healthcare
In healthcare, algebraic equations are used to calculate dosages,
understand the spread of diseases, and analyze statistical data for
research. For instance, calculating the correct dosage of medication
based on a patient’s weight and the concentration of a drug
involves solving an equation.
