CHAPTER 2
 Symbols that represent values: x, y, z,
MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
AND SYMBOLS
 A simple thought is difficult to
comprehend if presented in a language
that you do not understand.
 Similarly, people frequently have
trouble understanding mathematical
ideas, not necessarily because the ideas
are difficult, but because they are being
presented in a foreign language -- the
language of mathematics.
 Mathematics is also a special kind of
language. In fact, it is a universal
language shared by all human beings
regardless of race, gender, or culture.
Characteristic of Mathematical Language
Mathematical language is:
 precise (able to make very fine
distinctions);
i.e, Student number
 concise (able to say things briefly);
i.e, If a straight line be cut at random,
the square on the whole is equal to the
squares on the segments and twice the
rectangle contained by the segments.
 powerful (able to express complex
thoughts with relative ease).
Some Examples of Commonly Used Symbols
 The ten digits Hindu-Arabic numerals:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
 Symbols for operations: +, −,×,÷
w,etc.
 Other special symbols: =, <, >, ≤, ≥
, %, 𝜋, e,etc.
A mathematical 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.
A mathematical sentence is the analogue of an
English sentence; it is a correct arrangement of
mathematical symbols that expresses a
complete thought. It makes sense to ask about
the truth of a sentence: Is it true? Is it false? Is it
sometimes true/sometimes false?
Examples:
 “3 + 4” is an expression while “3 + 4 = 7”
is a sentence.
 The mathematical sentence “3 + 4 = 7”
expresses a complete thought. In
addition, it makes sense to ask: ’Is 3 + 4
= 7’ true? On the other hand, ’3 + 4’
does not state a complete thought. It
also doesn’t make sense to ask: Is ’3 + 4’
true? Is ’3 + 4’ false?
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 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. Now, if ‘=’ is the
verb, then what is the ‘+’?
The symbol ‘+’ is the connective. A connective is
used to connect objects of a given type to get a
compound object of the same type.
English vs. Mathematical Language Classify entries if its English noun, English
sentence, Mathematical expression or
Mathematical sentence. Encircle the verb, if
there is any. Tell whether it is True, False or
Sometimes true, sometimes false.

Classify entries if its English noun, English Other Elements in Mathematical Language
sentence, Mathematical expression or
Mathematical sentence  “Synonyms” -- different names for
the same object.

 The importance of truth.

Sentences can be true or false. The
notion of truth (i.e., the property of
being true or false) is of fundamental
importance in the mathematical
language.

 Conventions. The correspondence

between the mathematical symbols
are conventions rather than rule.
  Definitions and undefined terms.
In order to communicate effectively,
people must agree on the meanings
of certain words and phrases. The
primary way that ambiguity is
avoided is by the use of definitions.
i.e, number line -a line on which numbers are
marked at intervals, used to illustrate simple
numerical operations. Interval-a space between
two things; a gap. Gap-a break in continuity.
12. One-eight of a number
13. Three less than twice a number
14. Five more than four times a number
15. There are twice as many dogs are there
are cats
16. There are 12 more cars than motorbikes
17. The square of the sum of 5 and a
number

18. The sum of the squares of two numbers

Some Difficulties in the Mathematical 19. Cardo’s age 10 years ago
Language
20. The perimeter of a rectangle whose
The word “and” means differently in length is 5 more than the width
mathematics from its English use. In
mathematics, “and” is equivalent to “plus”.

The different uses of a number: to express

quantity (cardinal), to indicate the order
(ordinal), and as a label (nominal).

Mathematical objects may be represented in

many ways. For example, sets and functions.

Translation of phrases into

mathematical expression

1. The sum of a number and 6

2. product of two numbers

3. The product of a number and -1

4. Three times the sum of two numbers

5. One-half a number

6. Eight more than a number

7. A number plus 8

8. Eight less than a number

9. A number less 8

10. The square of a number

11. Five times the square of a number