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Mathematical Language and Symbols: Mathematics in The Modern World

Mathematics uses symbolic language and notations to concisely express mathematical concepts and relationships. Many symbols were invented by mathematicians to efficiently write out mathematical ideas, with the symbol often corresponding closely to its meaning. Understanding mathematical symbols involves memorizing their definitions and applying them in different problem-solving contexts. Once the language of mathematics is understood, it allows for a deeper comprehension of mathematical concepts and principles.

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41 views9 pages

Mathematical Language and Symbols: Mathematics in The Modern World

Mathematics uses symbolic language and notations to concisely express mathematical concepts and relationships. Many symbols were invented by mathematicians to efficiently write out mathematical ideas, with the symbol often corresponding closely to its meaning. Understanding mathematical symbols involves memorizing their definitions and applying them in different problem-solving contexts. Once the language of mathematics is understood, it allows for a deeper comprehension of mathematical concepts and principles.

Uploaded by

MarkVincentTulinao
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Mathematics in the Modern World:

Mathematical Language
and Symbols

Mathematical Symbols and Notations


Wilson L. De Guzman, LPT
Mathematics as a Language
• Language is the system of words or signs that people use
to express thoughts and feelings to each other (Merriam
Webster).
• Mathematics is all about language in different forms like
patterns, shapes, music and so on…
Where do math symbols come from?
 … all of these symbols were invented or adopted by
mathematicians… to write out mathematical ideas.
 … there’s an apt conformity between the symbol
and what it represents…
 sometimes,…, the choice of symbol is more
arbitrary (TED-Ed, 2017).
What do math symbols represent?
• Variables (e.g., 𝑥 and 𝑦, 𝐸, 𝐹, 𝑚1 , 𝑐 2 , 𝜃)
• Relationship between variables (e.g., =, >, <, ≠)
• Irrational numbers (e.g., 𝜋, 𝜙, 𝑒)
• Set of numbers (e.g., ℕ, ℚ, ℝ, ∅)
• Operations (e.g., exponents and sigma notation)
𝑑𝑦
• Whole equations (e.g., 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 𝑐2, 𝐸= 𝑚𝑐 ,
2 = 𝑘𝑡)
𝑑𝑡
• Succinct instructions about how to perform calculations
How to understand these symbols?
• Understanding them is a matter of memorizing what they
mean, and applying them in different contexts until they
stick. (TED-Ed, 2017)
• Once we understand HOW things are said, they can better
understand WHAT is being said, and only when do they
have a chance to know WHY it is said (Jamison, 2000).
• “Equations are masterpieces that explain the world we live
in.”
• “… equations are the most important tool in science,
forever pushing the boundaries of knowledge.”
The great book of nature can be read only
by those who know the language in which it
was written. And this language is
mathematics.
- Galileo Galilei

The End
References:
BBC (2010). Beautiful Equations

Jamison, R. E. (2000). Learning the language of mathematics.


Language and Learning across the Disciplines, 4(1), 45-
54.

TED-Ed (2017, October 30). Where do math symbols come


from? – John David Walters. [Video File]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVm063xmnow&t=14
s

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