Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premier University in Zamboanga del Norte
SIOCON CAMPUS
JRMSU-SC-CED-018
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Mathematics in the Modern World Module
Mathematical Language and Symbols
Objectives: By the end of this module, you will be able to:
A. Identify the fundamental concepts of mathematical language and symbols.
B. Differentiate mathematical expressions from mathematical sentences.
C. Perform exercises on sets, functions, and binary operations.
Introduction
Although Mathematics and English Language have many things in common in terms of structure, the
rules in mathematics are stricter and some forms are more complicated. The following items summarize
some unique characteristics of the mathematical language.
• It is precise because it can be stated clearly.
• It is concise because it can be stated briefly.
• It is powerful because it is capable of expressing complex ideas into simpler forms.
• It is nontemporal (i. e. it has no tenses) which makes it so unique as compared to other
languages.
• It also has vocabulary and parts of speech.
Lesson 1: Mathematics as a Language
ACTIVITY
Directions: If you think the following statements are correct, write AGREE. Otherwise, write
DISAGREE.
_______1. In mathematical language, a mathematical expression is considered as a noun.
_______2. Just like English sentences, mathematical sentences have verbs too.
_______3. Mathematics is a language with its own parts of speech.
_______4. “5 + 8 = 4” is a mathematical sentence.
ANALYSIS
Directions: Answer the given questions. Please write your answers legibly.
1. How do you think mathematical language differs from ordinary language?
Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premier University in Zamboanga del Norte
SIOCON CAMPUS
JRMSU-SC-CED-018
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
2. Why is precision important in mathematical communication?
ABSTRACTION
Parts of Speech for Mathematics
Mathematics has its own language that consists of symbols, notation, and structures. It is
precise, concise, and powerful, allowing for the clear expression of abstract concepts. Just
like ordinary language, mathematics also has syntax(rules) and structure which can be
categorized into five forms:
• Numbers
- Are the very first symbols that can be used to represent quantity.
- These are nouns (objects) in the English language.
• Operation symbols
- Symbols like plus “+”, minus “-”, can act as connectives in mathematical
sentence.
• Relation Symbols
- Symbols such as = (equal to), ≤ (less than or equal to) and ~ (similar to) are
used for comparison.
- Acts as verbs in mathematical language.
• Grouping symbols
- Symbols like parenthesis ‘( )’, braces ‘{ }’, and brackets ‘[ ]’ are used to
associate groups of numbers and operators.
• Variables
- Are letters (x, y, z) that represent quantities
- Act as pronouns
Mathematical expressions are different from mathematical sentences:
• Mathematical Expressions: Do not state a complete thought
examples: 4, -5, 2e, 5 + 3, x – 2
All of these do not state complete thought.
• Mathematical Sentences: Convey a complete thought and can be evaluated as true or
false
Examples:
• “5 + 2 =√ 49” is read as 5 plus 2 is equal to the square root of 49.
Here the symbol “+” is a connective whereas “=” is the verb. The
sentence is true.
• “(3 – 4) > 2” is read as 3 minus 4 is greater than 2.
The – sign is the connective, ( ) is the grouping symbol, and > is the
relation symbol (verb). This statement is false.
Tip: It is a mathematical sentence when it has noun and verb.
Republic of the Philippines
JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY
The Premier University in Zamboanga del Norte
SIOCON CAMPUS
JRMSU-SC-CED-018
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Try This!
Identify whether the following are mathematical expressions (ME) or mathematical
sentences (MS). Only write ME or MS.
_________1. 3 + 5
_________2. x + 7 = 12
_________3. The sum of two numbers is even.
_________4. 4 – 2
_________5. y > 10
_________6. 8 ÷ 2
_________7. The product of 4 and 6 is 24.
_________8. 9 - 3 = 6
_________9. 2x + 5
_________10. A number squared is always positive.
