Mathematics in the Modern World Page 1 of 3

Mathematical Language and Symbols (Part 2)

Topic: MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE AND SYMBOLS (PART 2)

III. LESSON PROPER

Translation from English to Mathematical Expressions and Sentences

Understanding the basics of translating English into mathematical expressions is similar
to mastering foundational language skills such as reading and writing. Just as forming complete
sentences is crucial in a language course, accurately converting verbal descriptions into
mathematical symbols and formulas is essential in Mathematics. This involves interpreting
descriptive problems and representing them with mathematical expressions and equations,
ensuring that you can effectively solve and communicate solutions.
The translation process from English to mathematical expressions involves several steps.
First, identify the key information: for example, the English phrase "The sum of a number x and 5
is 12" translates to the mathematical expression x+5=12, where "sum" denotes addition and "is
12" denotes equality. Next, translate into mathematical symbols: "Twice a number is greater than
10" becomes 2x>10, where "twice" indicates multiplication by 2 and "is greater than" translates to
the inequality symbol >. Finally, solve and interpret: the English problem "If you subtract 3 from a
number and get 7, what is the number?" translates to x−3=7. Solving this involves adding 3 to
both sides to find x=10, thus providing the solution and its interpretation.

Comparison to Language Learning

In English, learning to speak in complete sentences enhances clear communication, while
in Mathematics, clear labeling and detailed explanations of each step are equally crucial. For
instance, when solving the equation x+5=12, you might document the process as follows: Step
1—subtract 5 from both sides, resulting in x+5−5=12−5; Step 2—simplify to x=7. This thorough
approach ensures clarity and aids in understanding the solution.
English is complex with numerous verbs, rules, and exceptions, whereas Mathematics is
often seen as simpler because it relies on fewer verbs and uses symbols like +, −, ×, and ÷ to
represent operations.
In English, there are countless nouns used to describe various objects, concepts, and
actions, whereas in Mathematics, although there are many mathematical concepts (which could
be viewed as “nouns”), the operations and relationships between them are more standardized
and systematically defined.
Translating English into mathematical expressions involves converting verbal descriptions
into mathematical symbols and formulas. This process is similar to forming complete sentences
in English to ensure clear communication. English has many rules and a broad vocabulary,
making it complex, while Mathematics uses a more limited set of symbols and fewer verbs, which
can make it more straightforward. Despite the complexities in both English and Mathematics, the
symbolic language of Mathematics often provides a simpler method for representing and solving
problems.

Mathematical Terms in Pilipino

Translating mathematical expressions into Filipino or Tagalog is a complex yet intriguing
process that requires careful linguistic adaptation and thoughtful educational strategy. To better
understand the implications, let's explore this topic further, providing specific examples that
highlight both the challenges and opportunities involved. Translating mathematical expressions
involves both straightforward and complex adaptations.
Mathematics in the Modern World Page 2 of 3
Mathematical Language and Symbols (Part 2)
Here are some examples of Mathematical Terms in English with its Mathematical Terms
in Pilipino:

Mathematical Mathematical Terms Mathematical Mathematical Terms

Terms in English in Pilipino Terms in English in Pilipino
Acute angle Sihang makitid Decimal Part Sinampung bahagi
Altitude Tayog Decimal Point Tuldok/Tuldok-sampuan
Arc Balantok Derivative Hango/pahango
Area Awak Digit (number) Taliri
Average Palas Division Hatian
Axiom Sinaad Divisor Panghati
Axis Agwatan Even Number Tukol na numero
Bar Graph Subara (sukat + bara) Exponent Paulit
Base (of exponential Batay Factor Karami (from kasamang
number) nagpaparami)
Base (of triangle) Takad Geometry Aral-tuglibo/Munsukat
Brace (grouping Kulikop (kulot na likop) Graph Sularaw/Suklaraw (sukat
symbol) + larawan)
Bracket (grouping Saklong Grid Sala-guhit (from sala-
symbol) sala)
Cancellation Hati-uli (hati + uli) Group Theory Teoria- pulutong
Concentric Isalunduy Horizontal Axis Higang agwatan
Coordinates Hitagwat (higa + tayo + Hypotenuse Gilis (gilid na pahilis)
(Cartesian) agwat)
Coordinates (Polar) Sihagwat (siha + agwat) Identity Kaisahan
Cross-sectional Area Awak na Imaginary Number Numero sa isip
pahalang/awak-halang
Curve Kilo Improper Fraction Tiwalang bahagian
Decimal Sampuan Index (of radical) Panliit
Induction (from part to Pa-lawig Obtuse Angle Sihang lapad
whole)
Intersection Bagtas Odd (number) Gansal
Inverse Proportion Bagayang saliwa One Hundredth Hatdaan
Inverse Square Dinalawang saliwaan One Tenth Hatipu
Relation
Least Common Isa-huling pangilalim/ Ordinate Tayuwat (tayo + agwat)
Denominator Isa-laging pangilalim
Mantissa (logarithm) Mantisa Oval Ovalado
Mapping Tapatan Parallelogram Parigapay (from pareho
+ agapay)
Mass Migat (from pamimigat, Percent Bahagdan (from bahagi
symbol ‘m’ + daan)
Mathematically Samatematika Place Value System Halaga-lugaran
Multiplicand Pinararami Plot Guhit
Multiplier Pamaparami Power of Ten Pa-ulit na sampu
Negative Number Negatibong numerong Product (of Nagin-dami (result of
pabawas multiplication) multiplying)
Quantity, Vector Daksukat (Dako + sukat; Proportion Bagayan
dako = direction)
Quotient (division) Naginghati Pyramid Tagilo
Radius Lihaba (liha + haba; Quantity, Scalar Gaano
liha = sector of circle)
Ratio Tandi (from panagtandi = Right Angle Ayos – siha
comparison, Ilongo language)
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Mathematical Language and Symbols (Part 2)
Rectangle Parisiha (paris and Ring Sinsing
siha = same angles)
Rotation Paginog Solve Lutasin
Slope Hilig Squared Dinalawa
Sum Kabuuan/Dagup Table (vertical and Talatala
horizontal listing)
Surface Lipaw Tabulate Italata

Here are some examples across different areas of mathematics:

Basic Arithmetic
Addition: In English, "2 + 3 = 5" is read as "Two plus three equals five." In Filipino, this could be
translated as "Dalawa dagdag tatlo ay lima."
Subtraction: "7 - 4 = 3" becomes "Pito bawas apat ay tatlo."
Multiplication: "5 × 6 = 30" can be translated as "Limang beses anim ay tatlumpu."
Division: "8 ÷ 2 = 4" would be "Walo na hinati sa dalawa ay apat."

Algebra
Equation: The equation "x + 2 = 5" in Filipino might be read as "x dagdag dalawa ay lima."
Expression: A more complex algebraic expression like "2x + 3y = 7" could be translated as
"Dalawang x dagdag tatlong y ay pito."
Variable: The term "variable" might be translated as "nagbabago" or "nagpapalit," though the term
"variable" itself could be retained due to its widespread use.

Geometry
Angle: The term "angle" can be translated to "anggulo." For example, "The angle is 90 degrees"
could be "Ang anggulo ay 90 digri."
Triangle: "Triangle" translates to "tatsulok." A sentence like "The area of the triangle" would be
"Ang lawak ng tatsulok."
Perimeter: "Perimeter" might be translated as "perimetro." "Find the perimeter of the square"
would be "Hanapin ang perimetro ng parisukat."