MATHEMATICAL
LANGUAGE
“In order to understand the universe, you must know the language in
which it is written, and that language is mathematics”
-Unknown
Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the language, symbols and
conventions in mathematics.
2. Explain the nature of mathematics as a
language
3. Perform operations on mathematical
expressions
4. Use mathematical language to describe and
solve problems with mathematics content.
Introduction
“Learning to read, write and speak mathematics is a
skill that anyone can learn. Like all languages, it requires
lots of practice to use it fluently.”
-Arun Ram(2010)
Once the language is well understood, as
are the “definitions” of the concepts and
principles, and the symbolic translation
to equations are relatively easy.
Mathematical Language
-It is the system used to communicate
mathematical ideas.
-consists of some natural language using
technical terms.
-Mathematical notation used for
formulas has its own grammar.
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Precise
• Concise
• Powerful
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Precise
Mathematical Language is able to make a very
fine distinction of things.
• Means “accurate or exact”
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Precise Five
530 Hundred
Thirty
5:30
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Precise
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Precise
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Precise
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Concise
Mathematical language is able to say or
write things briefly.
We can convert mathematical language into
expressions or equations.
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Concise
Examples:
2+z The sum of 2 and z
7x Seven times a number
• Concise
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
Characteristics of Mathematical Language
• Powerful
Mathematics a powerful tool because
it can express complex thoughts with
relative ease using equations and
formulas.
Mathematical Expression vs. Sentences
Mathematical Expression vs. Sentences
Mathematical Expression vs. Sentences
Mathematical Expression vs. Sentences
PRELIMS : Activity 3
A. Translate the following phrases into a mathematical expression
1. x less than y
2. x more than y
3. The sum of x and the difference of y and z
4. The product of x and the sum of y and z
5. The product of the sum of x and z and the
difference of x and y
PRELIMS : Activity 3
B. Translate each of the following mathematical expressions into an English
phrase using the words sum, difference, product, and/or quotient.
1. (x)+(y+z)
2. xy +xz
3. Z (x-y)
4. (x+z)+ (y-z)
5. x (y-z)
PRELIMS : Activity 3
C. Classify each entry as a mathematical expression (EXP), or mathematical
sentence (SEN). Then, determine the truth value of each entry that is a
sentence: (always) true (T), (always) false (F), or sometimes true/sometimes
false (ST/SF).
1. 2/3
2. x-5
3. X+ 2=7
4. 3+5+x
5. x/2 =4
