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MMW Module 2 - MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

AND SYMBOLS
Table of contents
 1. Introduction/Overview
 2. Learning Outcomes
 3. Lesson 1: THE LANGUAGE OF MATHEMATICS
 3.1. Forum 1
 3.2. Is Mathematics a Language?
 3.3. Why mathematics is considered a Language?
 3.4. What is the nature of mathematics as a language?
 3.5. How to translate English phrase to Mathematical phrase and vice versa?
 3.6. Quiz
 3.7. Assignment 1
 3.8. What do they say about Vocabulary, Grammar and Syntax in Mathematics?
 3.9. Chat 1
 4. Lesson 2: USING MATHEMATICS AS LANGUAGE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

 4.1. Forum 1
 4.2. How to Solve Word Problems Using Venn Diagram
 4.3. Functions
 4.4. Relations
 4.5. Binary Operations
 4.6. Assignment 2
 4.7. Chat

 5. Lesson 3: BASIC CONCEPTS IN LOGIC

 5.1. Quiz
 5.2. Quantifiers
 5.3. Variables
 5.4. Formality
 5.5. Chat

 6. References

1. Introduction/Overview
This module covers the different characteristics of mathematical language as being precise, concise and powerful, expressions versus
sentences, conventions in the mathematical language, the four basic concepts like sets, functions, relations, binary operations, and
elementary logic concepts like connectives, quantifiers, negation, variables, and formality.

2. Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, the learners are expected to:

1.    Discuss the language, symbols, and conventions of mathematics.

2.    Explain the nature of mathematics as a language.

3.    Perform operations on mathematical expressions correctly.

4.    Use mathematical language to solve mathematical problems.

5.    Acknowledge mathematics as a useful language.

3. Lesson 1: THE LANGUAGE OF MATHEMATICS

            Let us watch this video regarding how Mathematics, when used as a language, is not a hard subject but interesting and easy.

                                 Video : Math isn't hard, it's a language | Randy Palisoc | TEDxManhattanBeach

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This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Is 26% proficiency in math acceptable to
you? That's the question teacher and Synergy Academies Founder Dr. Randy Palisoc asks the TEDxManhattanBeach audience. With
only 26% of U.S. twelfth graders proficient in mathematics, Randy shares his solution: teach math as a language. Putting words back
into math lessons enables even the youngest school-age minds to grasp complex concepts, such as fractions, that are traditionally
thought of as abstract and difficult to understand. In his stunningly simple and effective approach, math no longer creates problems for
kids but solves them.

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contain contents copyrighted by another person or entity. This portal claims no copyright over said contents. Credit goes to
the real owner of the video.

Play Video

Math isn't hard, it's a language | Randy Palisoc | TEDxManhattanBeach, TEDx Talks, Dec 5, 2014

3.1. Forum 1
Click/tap the image.

3.2. Is Mathematics a Language?

Is Math the Language of the Universe? The Science Asylum Dec 31, 2016                                                     

                                                             Video : Is Math the Language of the Universe?

There is a very common debate over the nature of math. Is it something that exists as part of the universe that we slowly "discover" or
is it something we make up to try and explain our  world? 

Disclaimer: The video content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The video may
contain contents copyrighted by another person or entity. This site claims no copyright over said contents. Credit goes to the
real owner of the video.

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Is Math the Language of the Universe? The Science Asylum Dec 31, 2016

3.3. Why mathematics is considered a Language?

            Just like the English language, mathematics has its own language too. There are terms in the English language that mean
differently or similarly in the language of mathematics. When you see a mathematical problem, you always think of possible concepts
and principles to be applied to solve the problem. Even in real life, when someone speaks, we always try our best to comprehend the
things that are being said so that when we answer, we are not also misunderstood.

            The language of mathematics makes it easy to express the kinds of thoughts that mathematicians like to express. The following
are the characteristics of a language of mathematics.

 Precise (able to make very fine distinction)

Explanation:
1.    Precise when the measure is 10 cm, it cannot be 9 cm or 11 cm, it is exact.
2.    Each symbol has its distinct meaning or definition, for example π = 3.1415 …,  etc. 

  Concise (able to say things briefly);

Explanation:

1.    Concise when we say that ‘I walked for 7 km around the circular park’ means that the distance covered is 7 km and there is no
need for elaboration.

2.    If someone can say things in long expositions or sentences, a mathematician can say it briefly. For example, “The sum of one
and two is three”, in symbol, 1+2=3)

 Powerful (able to express complex thoughts with relative ease).

Explanation:

1.    Powerful because when a value “is” given, it cannot be changed anymore.

2.    Mathematics is able to describe the real world and abstract structures. 

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From Robert Aufman’s book on the Language of Mathematics, here is an example of how good and concise a definition in
mathematics should be.

a.    Good definition: A rectangle is a quadrilateral whose four angles are right angles. (has a genus-quadrilateral and a property
specific for a rectangle)

b.    Poor definition: a rectangle is a parallelogram whose diagonals are of equal length. (Can be proven and treated as a theorem)

c.    Bad definition: a rectangle is a quadrilateral with right angles. (ambiguous)

d.    Unacceptable definition: rectangle: has right angles. (not a complete sentence with correct grammar)

 A good definition has a genius, specific properties and a complete sentence with no grammatical errors.

            In order to be considered a language, a system of communication must have the vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and people who
use and understand it. Mathematics must meet this definition of a language. Linguists who don't consider math a language cite its use
as a written rather than spoken form of communication. The language of mathematics can be learned but requires the efforts needed to
learn any foreign language. Math is considered a universal language. Hence, the symbols and organization to form equations are the
same in every country of the world.

           The language of mathematics can be learned but requires the efforts needed to learn any foreign language

3.4. What is the nature of mathematics as a language?

                 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).

              The English verbs have tenses like the present, past, and future while the terms in mathematics are non-temporal.
Mathematics cannot be learned without being understood. In the English language, there are parts of speech consisting of nouns,
pronouns, verbs, clauses, sentences while in mathematics language, there are also nouns, pronouns, verbs, sentences, and
expressions.

Illustration:
                                     English language                 Mathematics language
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 Noun                          Erzon, shoes, bags              lines, points, angles

Pronoun                     S/he, it, they                          x, P, y

Verb                            is, was, were                         is

Sentence                   Erzon is a good man.          x is a line.

3.5. How to translate English phrase to Mathematical phrase and vice versa?
                In the English language, a sentence is a word or group of words with a complete thought. In mathematics language, a
mathematical expression is a group of symbols representing values or operations.

Illustration:

Verbal Phrases:                                         

1.    The difference of Sales and the Cost of Goods sold

2.    One-half of a million pesos

3.    Three- fourths of the COVID -19 patients fully recovered

Mathematical Expressions:

1.    S – CG, S for Sales and CG for Cost of Goods

2.    ½ (1,000,000Php)

3.    ¾(x), x is the number of patients

                                                    Video : Language of Algebra: Translating English to Math

This video will show you how you can simply translate expressions and equations that are written using English words/sentences into
mathematical symbols and operations. This can be very helpful with word problems as well! My students that have seen it have found it
to be extremely helpful. I hope it will be the same to you too.

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contain contents copyrighted by another person or entity. This portal claims no copyright over said contents. Credit goes to
the real owner of the video.

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Language of Algebra: Translating English to Math, DeeMathify, Oct 15, 2013

Translate each sentences using mathematical symbols   

1.     0 is an integer.

2.    x is multiple of 5.

3.    x belongs to both sets A and B

4.    The values of x range from -2 to 5

5.    The square of the sum of x and y is not more than 20

6.    The square of a number is nonnegative

7.    The sum of two consecutive numbers is 31

Answer:

1.    0 E Z

2.    x = 5n where n Î Z

3.    x E (A Ù B)

4.    { x/x: -2 ≤ x ≤ 5 } or [-2, 5]

5.    (x + y)2 ≤ 20

6.    X2 ≥ 0

7.    x + (x + 1) = 31

               A mathematical sentence is an expression that can either be true or false. It can be an open or closed mathematical sentence.
It is open when it depends on the value of an unknown quantity while it is closed when it is known to be true or false.
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•      Mathematical sentences may either be true, false, sometimes true/false

Examples:                                              Answer

            
Difficulties

 The word “is” could mean equality, inequality, or membership in a set

Consider the following sentences. Discuss how the word “is” is used.

1.    5 is the principal square root of 25

2.    5 is less than 10

3.    5 is a prime number

Answer:

1.     Equality, because 

2.    Inequality, because 5 < 10.

3.    Membership, because 5 E p where p is prime.

 Different use of a number (cardinal, ordinal, nominal, ratio)

 Mathematical objects maybe represented in many ways such as sets and functions.

3.6. Quiz
Click/tap the image.

3.7. Assignment 1
Click/tap the image                                                                        

Click/tap the image to view the rubric for this Assignment

3.8. What do they say about Vocabulary, Grammar and Syntax in Mathematics?              
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contain contents copyrighted by another person or entity. This portal claims no copyright over said contents. Credit goes to
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Where do math symbols come from? - John David Walters, TED-Ed, Oct 30, 2017           

  
Symbols Meanings
 + Plus, added to, increased by, a total of, sum of,
more than
 - Minus, the difference of, decreased by,
subtracted from, less than, fewer than
, *, (  )
 x  Times, multiplied by, a product of, of
 /, : ÷ The quotient of, divided by, per, the ratio of
= Equals or is equal to, same as, is
≤, ≥ Less than or equal  to, greater than or equal to
<, > Less than, greater than
X, y, z, w, … English letters that serve as variable to
represent quantities
√n The square root of any number n
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α, β, φ, θ Greek alphabet that stands for some measures
and numbers

3.9. Chat 1
Click/tap the image.

4. Lesson 2: USING MATHEMATICS AS LANGUAGE TO SOLVE

PROBLEMS
FOUR BASIC CONCEPTS

There are four basic concepts in understanding other various mathematical concepts, principles or definitions and these are: sets,
functions, relations, and binary operations.

A.   Sets

Set was introduced in 1879 by Georg Cantor (1845-19180. We consider set as a collection of objects or things that can be written is
either in a set-roster or set-builder notation.

To write sets using set-roster notation, name the set using capital letters, lowercase letters for elements, use braces to group the
elements, and separate each element by commas. If the elements are infinite, use an ellipsis (…) to indicate that there are still more
elements included.

Examples:

1.     A = {a, b, c}, B = {a, a, b}, C = {a, a, c, c, b}  

All the 3 sets A, B, C have the same elements a, b, c represented in different ways.

2.    P = {e, z, a, {n}}

P has 4 elements, the first 3 are e, z, a, and the last element is {n}.

3.    Q is a set of positive integers.

Q = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ….}

In set-builder notation, we denote it to be the set of all possible x elements in any set S with a property P(x) that S satisfies. It is written
as {x ԑ S l P(x)} and read as “the set of all x in S such that P(x) is true”.

Examples:

1.   {x ԑ    -2<x<4}

The set is an open interval of real numbers between -2 and 4.

2.    {x ԑ J  I -5≤x≤5}

The set is a closed interval of integers from -5 to 5.

Let us recall the different types of sets.

1.    Universal set. It is the collection of all elements of different sets. An example is a set of Real Numbers with counting numbers,
whole numbers, integers, fractions, radicals.

2.    Empty set. It has no element and sometimes called an empty set or void set.

An example is the set of students aged 60-80 enrolled in GEC MMW-19.

3.    Finite set. It is a set whose elements are countable. An example is the number of siblings in a family.

4.    Infinite set. It is a set with no last element and uses the symbol …. An example is the number of COVID -19 cases in the world.
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5.    Equal sets. These are sets with the same number and kind of elements. An example could be the two sets, A and B, where A is
the set of even numbers in the digits under the Arabic Numeration system while B is the set of multiples of 2 from the digits.

6.    Equivalent sets. These are the sets with the same kind but of different numbers of elements. An example is A, which is the set of
Presidents of New Era University from 2018-2020, and B, the set Branch Directors of NEULCB from 2019-2020.

7.    Unit set. A set with only one element. An example is the number of Deans in the College of Communication.

8.    Subset. It is a set whose elements are present in another set. Example: A is a set of all episodes of Harry Potter, the movie. B is
the set of the last two episodes of Harry Potter, the movie. B is a subset of A, B c A.

9.    The complement of a set. It is a set whose elements cannot be found in another set.

Example: A is the set of teachers using laptops, iPhones, and tablets while B is the set of teachers using laptops and desktop. Hence,
the complement of A is the set whose elements are iPhone and tablet.

Similarly, with the difference of sets, A – B is the set whose elements are in A only but not in B and vice – versa for B – A.

There are set operations like a union (U), Intersection (∩) and complement or difference of sets.

4.1. Forum 1
Click/tap the image.

4.2. How to Solve Word Problems Using Venn Diagram

Video 1: Sets: Union, Intersection, Complement

Sets: Union, Intersection, Complement

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Sets: Union, Intersection, Complement, lbowen11235, Oct 4, 2012

Video 2: Solving Word Problems with Venn Diagrams, part 1 127-1.21.a

Demonstrates how to use sets and Venn diagrams to solve word problems. This video is provided by the Learning Assistance Center of
Howard Community College. For more math videos and exercises, go to HCCMathHelp.com.

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contents copyrighted by another person or entity. This portal claims no copyright over said contents. Credit goes to the real owner of
the video.

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Solving Word Problems with Venn Diagrams, part 1 127-1.21.a HCCMathHelp, May 17, 2013

Video 3: Solving Word Problems with Venn Diagrams, part 2 127-1.21.b

Demonstrates how to use sets and Venn diagrams to solve word problems. This video is provided by the Learning Assistance Center of
Howard Community College. For more math videos and exercises, go to HCCMathHelp.com.

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contents copyrighted by another person or entity. This portal claims no copyright over said contents. Credit goes to the real owner of
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Solving Word Problems with Venn Diagrams, part 1 127-1.21.b HCCMathHelp, May 17, 2013

4.3. Functions
B.   Functions

Video : Algebra Basics: What Are Functions? - Math Antics

Learn More at mathantics.com Visit http://www.mathantics.com for more Free math videos and additional subscription based content!
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contain contents copyrighted by another person or entity. This portal claims no copyright over said contents. Credit goes to
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Algebra Basics: What Are Functions? - Math Antics, mathantics, Nov 28, 2016

When we talk of functions, we consider responsibilities or tasks. In the K-12 curriculum, the topic on functions was already discussed
and applied. In this lesson, function shall be used in terms of sets. Defining a function will not depart from mentioning domain and
range.

 Starting with a Cartesian product, A x B is the set of ordered pairs (x, y) such that x is an element of A and y is an element of B.

A x B = {(x,y) l x ԑ A and y ԑ B}

Example:     B= {covid-19}, A = {mask, physical distance, wash hands}

A x B = {(mask, covid-19), (physical distance, covid -19), (wash hands, covid-19)}

In a function, the Domain is the set of things or objects to be transformed while the Range is the set of things or objects allowed to be
transformed into a function f from a set A to a set B.

The function is a rule that specifies for each element x of A corresponds y = f(x) of B.

To illustrate; f : A →B where A is the Domain and B is the range

                       f(x) = y where f transforms x to y

                       f : x →y function f from x to y

Hence, the elements of the Domain is {mask, physical distancing, wash hands} and the elements of the Range are {covid-10}.

4.4. Relations
C.   Relations

Video 1: Explain The Different Types Of Relations With Examples - Sets And Relations / Maths Algebra

Chapter : Sets And Relations Lesson : Types Of Relations

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Explain The Different Types Of Relations With Examples - Sets And Relations / Maths Algebra We Teach Academy Maths, May 15,
2014

Video 2: Explain The Properties of Relations With Examples - Sets And Relations / Maths Algebra

Let us learn the properties of relations with some solved examples. For More Information & Videos visit http://WeTeachAcademy.com
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Explain The Properties of Relations With Examples - Sets And Relations / Maths Algebra We Teach Academy Maths, May 15, 2014

Let us watch this as a recall of a relation and its properties.

A relation can simply be understood as an association between objects or things and even people.

In sets, a relation is defined on a certain set A which is said to be an equivalence relation provided it possesses the following 3
properties:
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1.     Reflexive: For every x ԑ A, x ~ x

2.    Symmetric: For all x, y ԑ A, if x ~y then y ~x.

3.    Transitive: For all x, y, z ԑ A, if x ~ y and y ~ z then x ~ z.

4.5. Binary Operations

D.   Binary Operations

Video : BINARY OPERATION || DEFINITION OF A BINARY OPERATION || WHAT IS BINARY OPERATION

what is binary operation binary operations class12, definition of a binary operation on a set definition of binary operation class, binary
operations definition and examples definition of a binary operation, definition of binary operation, binary operation definition with
examples,  definition of a binary operation on a set, define binary operation on a set, binary operation definition in algebra Binary
operations class 12 maths

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BINARY OPERATION || DEFINITION OF A BINARY OPERATION || WHAT IS BINARY OPERATION, BRMATHSCLASS, Oct 24,
2016

A binary operation (*), on a certain set A is also a function from (A x A) to A such that for all a, b ԑ A, *(a, b) = c where c ԑA.

To illustrate this: + (8,-10) = -2 where 8, -10 and -2 are all integers.

A binary operation satisfies the closure property, that is, for any 2 integers, 8 and -10, under the binary operation +, the result is -2
which is also an integer.

4.6. Assignment 2
Click/tap the image.

4.7. Chat
Click/tap the image.

5. Lesson 3: BASIC CONCEPTS IN LOGIC

Let us watch this video to be familiar with the propositions and symbols that we use in elementary logic.

Logic is a science that deals with statements or inferences that show correct reasoning.

These statements or inferences can be connected by logical symbols called connectives.

A.   Connectives

Connectives are words or symbols that connect 2 sentences to produce a new sentence. The truth or falsity of a statement depends on
the truth or falsity of the components.

Examples:

1.    I will go to a movie if and only if a finished a module.

2.    If today is Sunday, then tomorrow is Monday.

3.    I will dance or she will sing in the program.

4.    The facilitator and the learner shall collaborate in attaining the goal of the program.

The connectives used are: "if and only if", "if-then", "or" and "and".

A Proposition is a complete declarative sentence that is either true or false but not both. Examples are the following:
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Example 1: 

a. Cabanatuan City is in Nueva Ecija.

b. San Mateo is in the province of Rizal.

c.  2 + 5 = 7

d. 6 – 3 = 4

Solution:
 a, b, and c are true while d is false. then they are all propositions.

Let us watch this video to be familiar with the propositions and symbols that we use in elementary logic.

Video : Propositions and Symbols Used in Symbolic Logic - PHILO-notes Daily Whiteboard

This video is the start of a series of editions on Symbolic Logic, which is essential in determining the validity of arguments. To begin
with, this video discusses the types of propositions and symbols used in Symbolic Logic. It focuses on the following topics, namely: 1)
variables and constants used in symbolic logic, 2) simple and compound propositions, 3) symbols for conjunction, disjunction,
conditional and biconditional propositions, and 4) symbols for negation and conclusion.

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Propositions and Symbols Used in Symbolic Logic - PHILO-notes Daily Whiteboard, PHILO-notes, Feb 8, 2018

 Propositions built up by combining propositions using propositional connectives are called “compound propositions”.
 Propositional connectives:

(conjunction, disjunction, exclusive or, implication, biconditional)

Connectives                             Statement

Λ- and                                       conjunction

V – or/ either or                       disjunction

→- implies                                conditional

↔ - if and only                         biconditional

≡ - if and only if                      biconditional

Ↄ – if then/then                       conditional

/‫؞‬ - therefore                           conclussion

~ - not                                        negation

5.1. Quiz
Click/tap the image.

5.2. Quantifiers
Quantifiers

In the mathematics language, a quantifier describes the quantity of objects with the same characteristics.

There are only two quantifiers that are commonly used in mathematics;
Universal Quantifiers - “for every/for all/for any” denoted by “ꓯ“ and

Existential Quantifers - ‘there exists/some/at least one” denoted by “ꓱ”.

Example:

1.    For all Senior Citizens in Barangay Nangka, there corresponds SAP fund assistance.
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{ꓯ SC ԑ Barangay Nangka, ꓱ SAP fund}

2.    For all counting numbers x and y, x + y is a counting number.

{ꓯ x ꓯ y ԑ N, (x + y) is a counting number}

3.    For all positive integers x, there exists a positive integer y such that x – y = 8.

{ꓯ x ԑ Z+, ꓱ y ꓱ Z, (x – y) = 8}

5.3. Variables
A variable is a symbol that can take on some values depending on certain conditions. It can also be a trait or a characteristic. It can
also be an element of a set.

Variables are used to describe a principle or a concept. Variables are also used to represent a sequence of operations or represent
unknowns.

Examples:

1.    Interest is the product of the money invested, the rate and time: I = Prt.

2.    Consider your age x  then multiply 2 and divide it by 3: 2x/3

3.    Solve for the value of y in the equation, 3y + 5 = 8.

4.    The variables used in the teacher’s research are teaching styles and educational qualifications.

Video : Introduction to Algebra: Using Variables

When we learn math in school, for a while it's just called math, but then one day around 8th grade, it's suddenly called algebra, and
every math class after that has a special name, too. But don't worry, it's not so scary! It's just a new set of symbols and algorithms to
become familiar with. But don't forget that at one point you had learn the plus and minus symbols and what those meant. Soon, algebra
will be just as easy as arithmetic! I promise.

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Introduction to Algebra: Using Variables, Professor Dave Explains, Aug 31, 2017

5.4. Formality
We always think of formality as a protocol in talking, writing, doing things, and even in meeting with people. In short, our thinking of
formality touches that sense of proper conduct and good manners in everything that we do so that people will see us as cultured and
well-bred. This is in real-life scenarios.

In mathematics, formality has a different sense of meaning. If we read a good paper in mathematics, it is written in the English language
and not with the use of mathematical symbols.

The best way to be understood in mathematics is to rewrite statements formally so that it will not be hard to understand.

Illustration: Every non-empty set A of counting numbers has at least one element.

To translate it into a more formal language is to use symbols like;

      ꓱ n ԑ N, n ԑ A.

5.5. Chat

Click/tap the image.

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