Module 2.

Mathematical Language and Symbol: Variables

Core Idea
Like any language, mathematics has its own symbols, syntax and rules.
Course Outcomes
At the end of the topic, the students must have:
1. Discuss the language, symbols, and conventions of mathematics.
2. Explain the nature of mathematics as a language.
3. Perform operations on mathematical operations correctly.
4. Acknowledge that mathematics is a useful language.
Time Allotted: __ hrs

PRETEST

MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions: Please read silently and intelligently each statement. From the pool of answers below this directions, choose the best answer
that correspond to each question by writing only the letter (UPPERCASE LETTER) that corresponds to your answer.

A. plus B. and C. Mathematics D. Cardinal E. verbs F. Powerful

G. Ordinal H. Precise I. Nominal J. Mathematical sentence

K. equal sign L. The importance of truth. M. Conventions N. and

O. Mathematical objects P. Concise Q. mathematical verbs R. is

S. expression T. Synonyms U. Noun V. Definitions and undefined terms

1. Element of Mathematical language which means different names for the same object.
2. The different uses of number: as a label.
3. The mathematical analogue of a ‘sentence’
4. The word which may be represented in mathematics using different symbols.
5. All look different but are all just names for the same number.
6. The different uses of number: to indicate the order.
7. The correspondence between the mathematical symbols are what rather than rule
8. These can be represented in many ways such as sets, functions and the like.
9. Able to say things briefly.
10. The mathematical analogue of a ‘noun’.
11. A name given to a mathematical object of interest
12. Equal sign (=) is one of the most popular what?
13. The different uses of number: to express quantity.
14. Just as an English sentence, this must state a complete thought.
15. Able to express complex thoughts with relative ease

MODULE CONTENT

Introduction
For sure you may be asked what the real meaning of a language is. Perhaps you could say that language
is the one we use in able to communicate with each other or this is one of your lessons in English or in your Filipino
subject. According to Cambridge English Dictionary, a language is a system of communication consisting of sounds,
words and grammar, or the system of communication used by people in a particular country or type of work.
Did you know that mathematics is a language in itself? Since it is a language also, mathematics is very
essential in communicating important ideas. But most mathematical language is in a form of symbols. When we say
that “Five added by three is eight”, we could translate this in symbol as “5 + 3 = 8.” Here, the first statement is in a form
of group of words while the translation is in a form of symbol which has the same meaning and if your will be reading
this, for sure all of you have a common understanding with this. But let us take a look at this mathematical symbols:

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Did you understand what these symbols are? This mathematical sentence is a complex idea; yet, it is contained and
tamed into a concise statement. It may sound or look Greek to some because without any knowledge of the language
in which the ideas are expressed, the privilege to understand and appreciate its grandeur can never be attained.
Mathematics, being a language in itself, may appear complex and difficult to understand simply because it uses a
different kind of alphabet and grammar structure. It uses a kind of language that has been historically proven effective
in communicating and transmitting mathematical realities. The language of mathematics, like any other languages, can
be learned; once learned, it allows us to see fascinating things and provides us an advantage to comprehend and
exploit the beauty of beneath and beyond. Hence, in able to understand better different topics in mathematics, it is very
important that you must learn first on how to read and understand different symbols in mathematics which used in
mathematical language.

We are all aware that there are multiple definitions of "language." One of the many definitions of it says
that language may be a system of words or codes used within a discipline. (Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.. June
2019). The author also added that a language may refer to a system of communication using symbols or
sounds. Meanwhile, Linguist Noam Chomsky (May 2015) defined language as a set of sentences constructed
using a finite set of elements while some linguists believe language should be able to represent events and
abstract concepts.

Whichever definition is used, a language contains the following components:

 There must be a vocabulary of words or symbols.

 Meaning must be attached to the words or symbols.
 A language employs grammar, which is a set of rules that outline how vocabulary is used.
 A syntax organizes symbols into linear structures or propositions.
 A narrative or discourse consists of strings of syntactic propositions.
 There must be (or have been) a group of people who use and understand the symbols.

Mathematics meets all of these requirements. The symbols, their meanings, syntax, and grammar
are the same throughout the world. Mathematicians, scientists, and others use math to communicate
concepts. Mathematics describes itself (a field called meta-mathematics), real-world phenomena, and
abstract concepts. (Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.. June 2019)

A. SOME DIFFICULTIES IN THE MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE.

Here are some difficulties in the mathematical language.

1. The word “and” means differently in Mathematics from its English use. In mathematics, “and” is
equivalent to “plus”.

We are all aware that in English language, AND is a conjunction, particularly a coordinating
conjunction. It connects words, phrases, and clauses that are of equal importance in the sentence. Say, “You
and I are best friends.” Another, “Between orange and strawberry, I prefer the latter.”

Mathematically speaking, as stated AND is + (plus). Take a look at the comparison below.

English Mathematics

x and y x+y
one and four 1+4

2. The different uses of a number: to express quantity (cardinal), to indicate the order (ordinal)
and as a label (nominal)

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 CARDINAL
How many siblings do you have? If your answer is 5, 13, 1, or even 0 you are expressing
quantity or the number of brothers and sisters you have. Your answer is the first use of number. To
simply count.

ORDINAL
I’ve been in Manila for 3 days and the third day was the best day of my stay. Three and
third are two different numbers. Three is cardinal, while third is ordinal. The word third which can
also be written as 3rd is the second use of number. It indicates order.

NOMINAL
Say your ID number is 21673. Then, that 21673 is you, for it represents you in your school.
That is why sometimes one will say, student whose ID number is 21673, please proceed to the
guidance office immediately (the person is exactly calling your attention). Another example is the zip
code. Philippines’ zip code is 5200, and none among the remaining 194 countries in the world use
the same zip code. So, someone who is familiar with that might say “Pinoy ka rin?” (pertaining to
that zip code). Numbers sometimes serve as name.

3. The word “is” may be represented in mathematics using different symbols. For example, a. 5 is
the square root of 25, b. 5 is less than 10 and c. 5 is a prime number.

For the first example 5 is the square root of 25, mathematically speaking, it can be written
into 5 = √25. Meaning the word “IS” pertains to equal sign (=).

While in example b which is 5 is less than 10, here, the word “IS” pertains to inequality
symbol for it can be translated mathematically as 5 < 10. The same applies to is greater than (>),
is not equal to (≠), and the like.

Lastly, in letter c, 5 is a prime number, the word “IS” both in Mathematics and English
languages, has the same function as linking verb. If you are to convert statement c mathematically,
it will be 5.

4. Mathematical objects may be represented in many ways. For example numbers, sets,
matrices, vectors and functions.

B. CHARACTERISTICS OF MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

The language of mathematics can be learned, but requires the efforts needed to learn any foreign language.
Stated below are some of its characteristics.

1. Precise - Able to make very fine distinction.

Mathematically speaking, we can state correctly how two or more things differ from
each other. Say, Students A and B are both Suma Cum Laude of ABC University, but student
B’s GPA is 1.18 while student A is 1.19. With that, we can say, academically speaking, student
B is better than student A.

Another, as of this writing, the United States of America, Brazil, and India are the top 3
countries in the world with the highest number of confirmed CoVid-19 cases. However, USA has the
most number of positive cases with 5.44 million confirmed cases as compared to Brazil and India
with3.33 million and 2.53 million respectively. Sadly, our country, Philippines, ranked 22nd.

2. Concise - Able to say things briefly.

Say your teacher ask you to say something comprehensive about the countries
around the globe, how will do it? If you are confused with so many thing that come on your
mind, answer it mathematically.

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 There are 195 countries in the world. Of the 195 countries, 54 countries can be
found in Africa, 48 in Asia, 44 in Europe, 33 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 14 in
Oceania, and 2 in Northern America.

3. Powerful - Able to express complex thoughts with relative ease.

At a global level, mathematics saves lives, powers the internet, improves our daily lives and
will save the human race from destruction. At a local level, mathematics enables businesses to
prosper, allows us to find our way, helps us make sensible food decisions, and allows us to create
works of art.

Some more examples include: Mathematics makes sure that bridges and buildings stay up.
Mathematics allows your GPS to find the shortest route for you in very little time. Mathematics makes
calculators, which means you don’t need to waste brain power on calculations. Mathematics explains
the universe, such as why bees have hexagonal honeycombs, and how many galaxies there are.
Mathematics makes it possible to balance sound at concerts, and use auto tune and many more.

C. VOCABULARY VS. SENTENCES VS. EXPRESSIONS

Every language has its vocabulary (the words), and its rules for combining these words into complete
thoughts (the sentences). Mathematics is no exception. As a first step in discussing the mathematical language, we
will make a very broad classification between the `nouns' of mathematics (used to name mathematical objects of
interest) and the `sentences' of mathematics (which state complete mathematical thoughts).

You must study the Mathematics Vocabulary!

• Student must learn on how to use correctly the language of Mathematics, when and where to use and
figuring out the incorrect uses.
• Students must show the relationship or connections the mathematics language with the natural language.
• Students must look backward or study the history of Mathematics in order to understand more deeply why
Mathematics is important in their daily lives.

Importance of Mathematical Language

• Major contributor to overall comprehension

• Vital for the development of Mathematics proficiency
• Enables both the teacher and the students to communicate mathematical knowledge with precision

For better understanding of this lesson, we will be comparing English and Mathematical Languages. In
English, nouns are used to name things we want to talk about (like people, places, and things); whereas sentences
are used to state complete thoughts. A typical English sentence has at least one noun, and at least one verb. For
example, consider the sentence
Gary runs. Here, `Gary‘ is a noun; `runs' is a verb.

The mathematical analogue of a `noun' will be called an expression. Thus, an expression is a name given
to a mathematical object of interest. The mathematical analogue of a `sentence' will also be called a sentence. A
mathematical sentence, just as an English sentence, must state a complete thought.

The table below summarizes the analogy.

ENGLISH MATHEMATICS

name given to an object of NOUN (person, place, thing) EXPRESSION

interest: Ex: Ambe, Masipit, laptop Ex: 0, -1 + 4, ¼

SENTENCE SENTENCE
Complete thought Ex: Calapan is the capital of the Philippines. Ex: 8 + 13 = 21
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. 8 + 13 = 20

Next, some ideas regarding sentences are explored. Just as English sentences have verbs, so do
mathematical sentences. In the mathematical sentence `3 + 4 = 7', the verb is `='. If you read the sentence as three

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plus four is equal to seven, then it's easy to `hear' the verb. Indeed, the equal sign `=' is one of the most popular
mathematical verbs.

Example:

1. The capital of Philippines is Manila.

2. Rizal park is in Cebu.
3. 5 + 3 = 8
4. 5 + 3 = 9

Connectives

A question commonly encountered, when presenting the sentence example 1 + 2 = 3 is that;

If = is the verb, then what is + ?

The answer is the symbol + is what we called a connective which is used to connect objects of a given type to get a
‘compound’ object of the same type. Here, the numbers 1 and 2 are connected to give the new number 1 + 2.

In English, this is the connector “and”. Cat is a noun, dog is a noun, cat and dog is a ‘compound’ noun.

Mathematical Sentence

Mathematical sentence is the analogue of an English sentence; it is a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols
that states a complete thought. It makes sense to as about the TRUTH of a sentence: Is it true? Is it false? Is it
sometimes true/sometimes false?

Example:
1. The capital of Philippines is Manila.
2. Rizal park is in Cebu.
3. 5 + 3 = 8
4. 5 + 3 = 9

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of “truth” (i.e., the property of being true or false) is a fundamental
importance in the mathematical language; this will become apparent as you read the book.

Conventions in Languages

Languages have conventions. In English, for example, it is conventional to capitalize name (like Israel and
Manila). This convention makes it easy for a reader to distinguish between a common noun (carol means Christmas
song) and proper noun (Carol i.e. name of a person).

Mathematics also has its convention, which help readers distinguish between different types of mathematical
expression.

Expression

An expression is the mathematical analogue of an English noun; it is a correct arrangement of mathematical

symbols used to represent a mathematical object of interest.
An expression does NOT state a complete thought; in particular, it does not make sense to ask if an
expression is true or false.

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D. CONVENTIONS IN MATHEMATICS, SOME COMMONLY USED SYMBOLS, ITS MEANING AND AN EXAMPLE

a) Sets and Logic

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b) Basic Operations and Relational Symbols

c. Set of Numbers

E. TRANSLATING WORDS INTO SYMBOL

• Practical problems seldom, if ever, come in equation form. The job of the problem solver is to translate the problem
from phrases and statements into mathematical expressions and equations, and then to solve the equations.

• As problem solvers, our job is made simpler if we are able to translate verbal phrases to mathematical expressions
and if we follow step in solving applied problems. To help us translate from words to symbols, we can use the
Mathematics Dictionary.

Examples:
Let x be a number. Translate each phrase or sentence into a mathematical expression or equation.

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1.Twelve more than a number.
Ans.: 12+x
2.Eight minus a number.
Ans.: 8−x
3.An unknown quantity less fourteen.
Ans.: x−14
4.Six times a number is fifty-four.
Ans.: 6x=54
5. Two ninths of a number is eleven.
Ans.: 2/9x=11
6. Three more than seven times a number is nine more than five times the number.
Ans.: 3+7x=9+5x
7. Twice a number less eight is equal to one more than three times the number.
Ans.: 2x−8=3x+1 or 2x−8=1+3x

F. Mathematical Language and Symbol: THE LANGUAGE OF SETS

Sets
A set is a well-defined collection of distinct objects.

 It is usually represented by capital letters.

 The objects of a set are separated by commas.
 The objects that belong in a set are the elements, or members of the set.
 It can be represented by listing its elements between braces.
 A set is said to be well-defined if the elements in the set are specifically listed.
Examples:
A= {a, e, i, o, u}
B= {set of planes figures}
C= {Ca, Au, Ag}
Notation
If S is a set, the notation
 x ϵ S means that x is an element of S
 𝑥 𝜖 𝑆 means that x is not an element of S.
A variation of notation is used to describe a very large set.
 {1, 2, 3, …, 100} refer to set of all integers from 1 to 100.
 {1, 2, 3, …} refer to set of all positive integers
The symbol … is called an ellipses and is read “and so forth”
Using the Set – Roster Notation
A set may be specified using the set-roster notation by writing all elements between braces.
Example:

 Let A = {1, 2, 3}, B = {3, 1, 2}, and C = {1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3}. What are the elements of A, B, and C? How are
A, B, and C related?
A, B, C have exactly the same three elements, 1, 2, 3. Therefore A, B, and C are simply represented in
different ways.
 Is {0} = 0?
{0} ≠ 0 because {0} is a set with one element, namely 0, whereas 0 is just the symbol that represents the
number zero.
 How many elements are in the set {1, {1}}?

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 The set {1, {1}} has two elements: 1 and the set whose only element is 1.
 For each nonnegative integer n, let 𝑈𝑛 = {𝑛, −𝑛}. Find 𝑈1 , 𝑈2 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑈0 .
𝑈1 = {1, −1}, 𝑈2 = {2, −2}, 𝑈0 = {0, −0} = {0, 0} = {0}.
Cartesian Sets of Numbers
Some important sets are the following:
1. N = {1, 2, 3, …} = the set of natural numbers.
2. W = {0, 1, 2, 3, …} = the set of whole numbers.
3. Z = {-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, …} = the set of integers.
4. Q = the set of rational numbers (terminating or repeating decimals)
5. Q’ = the set of irrational numbers (non-terminating, non-repeating decimals).
6. R = the set of real numbers.
7. C = the set of complex numbers.
Set – Builder Notation
Let S denote and let P(x) be a property that elements of S may or may not satisfy. We define a new set to
be the set of all elements x in S such that P(x) is true. We denote this set as follows:
{𝑥 𝜖 𝑆/𝑃(𝑥)}
Using the Set – Builder Notation
Given that R the set of all real numbers, Z the set of all integers, and 𝑍 + the set of all positive integers,
describe the following sets.
a) {𝑥 𝜖 𝑅 /−2 < 𝑥 < 5}
{𝑥 𝜖 𝑅 /−2 < 𝑥 < 5} is the open interval of real numbers (strictly) between -2 and 5.

b) {𝑥 𝜖 𝑍 /−2 < 𝑥 < 5}

{𝑥 𝜖 𝑍 /−2 < 𝑥 < 5} is the set of all integers (strictly) between -2 and 5. It is equal to the set {-1, 0, 1, 2,
3, 4}
c) {𝑥 𝜖 𝑍 + / −2 < 𝑥 < 5}
Since all the integers in 𝑍 + are positive, {𝑥 𝜖 𝑍 + / −2 < 𝑥 < 5} = {1, 2, 3, 4}.
Definitions Regarding Sets
A set is FINITE if the number of elements is countable.
Examples:
A = {even numbers less than 10}
B = {days in a week}
A set in INFINITE if the numbers of elements cannot be counted.
Examples:
A = {even numbers greater than 20}
B = {odd numbers}
C = {stars in the sky}
Equal and Equivalent Sets
Equal sets – are the sets with exactly the same elements and cardinality.
Example: A= {c, a, r, e}
B= {r, a, c, e}

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Equivalent sets – are set with the same number of elements or cardinality.
Example: A= {a, e, i, o, u}
B= {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
Joint and Disjoint Sets
Joint sets – are set with common elements (intersection).
Example: A= {c, a, r, e}
B= {b, e, a, r, s}
Disjoint sets – are set with no common elements.
Example: The set A= {a, b, c} and B= {e, f, g} are disjoint sets, since no elements is common.

G. Mathematical Language and Symbol: VARIABLES

Variables

 It is represent by a letter, like x or y.

 A symbol for a value we don’t know yet.
Advantage of using Variables

 It allows you to give a temporary name to what you are seeking so that you can perform concrete computations
with it to help discover its possible values.
Example:

 Is there a number with the following property:

 Doubling it and adding 3 gives the same result as squaring it?
“Is there a number 𝑥 with the property that2𝑥 + 3 = 𝑥 2 ”?

“Is there a number ∎ with the property that2∎ + 3 = ∎2 ”?

 To illustrate the second use of variables, consider the statement:

No matter what number might be chosen, if it is greater than 2, then its square is greater than 4.

 Introducing a variable to give a temporary name to the number you might choose enables you to maintain the
generality of the statement.
“Is there a number 𝑥 with the property that 2𝑥 + 3 = 𝑥 2 ”?
No matter what number might be chosen, if it is greater than 2, then its square is greater than 4.
No matter what number 𝑥 might be chosen, if 𝑥 greater than 2, then 𝑥 2 is greater than 4.
Writing Sentence Using Variables

 Use variables to rewrite the following sentences more formally.

a. Are there numbers with the property that the sum of their squares equals the square of their sum?

Solution:
 Are there numbers 𝑥 and 𝑦 with the property 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 .
 Are there numbers 𝑥 and 𝑦 such that 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 .
 Do there exist numbers 𝑥 and 𝑦 such that 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 .

b. Give any real number, its square is nonnegative.

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 Solution:
 Give any real number 𝑟, 𝑟 2 is nonnegative.
 For any real number 𝑟, 𝑟 2 ≥ 0.
 For all real number 𝑟, 𝑟 2 ≥ 0.
Some Important Kinds of Mathematical Statements
 Universal Statement – says that a certain property is true for all elements in a set. “For all”
 Example: All positive numbers are greater than zero.
 Conditional Statement – says if one thing is true then some other thing also has to be true. “If-then”
 Example: If 378 is divisible by 18, then 378 is divisible by 6.
 Existential Statement – says that there is at least one thing for which the property s true.
 Example: There is a prime number that is even.
Universal Conditional Statements
 A statement that is both universal and conditional.
Example: For all animals𝒂, if 𝒂 is a dog, then 𝒂 is a mammal.
 They can be rewritten in ways that make them appear to be purely universal or purely conditional.
If 𝒂 is a dog, then 𝒂 is a mammal.
If an animal is a dog, then the animals is a mammal.
For all dogs𝒂, 𝒂 is a mammal.
All dogs are mammals.
Rewriting a Universal Conditional Statements
 Fill in the blanks to rewrite the following statement:

For all real number 𝒙, if 𝒙 is nonzero then 𝒙𝟐 is positive.

1. If real number is nonzero, then its square is positive.
2. For all nonzero real number 𝒙, x 2 is positive.
3. If 𝒙 is a nonzero real number, then x 2 is positive.
4. The square of any nonzero real number is positive.
5. All nonzero real numbers have positive squares.

Every pot has a lid.

1. All pots have a lid.
2. For all pots P, there is a lid for P.
3. For all pots P, there is a lid L such that L is a lid for P.
Existential Universal Statements
 A statement that is existential because its first part asserts that a certain object exist and is universal because
its second part says that the object exists and is universal because its second part says that the object satisfies
a certain property for all things of a certain kind.
Example: There are positive integer that is less than or equal to every positive integer.
Rewriting a Existential Universal Statements
 Fill in the blanks to rewrite the following statement:

There is a person in my class who is at least as old as every person in my class.

1. Some person in my class is at least as old as every person in my class.
2. There is a person p in my class that p is at least as old as every person in my class.
3. There is a person p in my class with the property that for every person q in my class, p is at least as old as q.

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 Learning Activities

General Rule: ANY FORM OF CORRECTION MEANS WRONG.

I. Identification: Please read silently and intelligently each statement. Identify what is being asked/described in each statement
by writing your answer on the space provided before each number.

1. A name given to a mathematical object of interest

2. Equal sign (=) is one of the most popular what?
3. The different uses of number: to express quantity.
4. Just as an English sentence, this must state a complete thought.
5. Able to express complex thoughts with relative ease
6. Element of Mathematical language which means different names for the same object.
7. The different uses of number: as a label.
8. The mathematical analogue of a ‘sentence’
9. The word which may be represented in mathematics using different symbols.
10. All look different but are all just names for the same number.
11. The different uses of number: to indicate the order.
12. The correspondence between the mathematical symbols are what rather than rule
13. These can be represented in many ways such as sets, functions and the like.
14. Able to say things briefly.
15. The mathematical analogue of a ‘noun’.

II. Do as directed.

A. Classify each entry as a mathematical expression (EXP), or a mathematical sentence (SEN). Classify the
truth value of each entry that is a sentence: (always) true (T); (always) false (F); or sometimes true/sometimes false
(ST/SF). The first two are done for you.
(sample) 1 + 2 EXP
(sample) 1 + 2 = 3 SEN, T

16. 1/2
17. x–1
18. x
19. x–1=3
20. 1+2+x
21. x÷3
22. x÷3=2
23. 1+2+x=x+1+2

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