symbols
DESCRIPTION
SymbolsTRANSCRIPT
The Language of The Language of MathematicsMathematics
The Language of The Language of MathematicsMathematics
SymbolsSymbols
A symbol is something that someone intends to stand for something other than itself.
This statue, , stands for the idea of liberty
The word “liberty” also stands for the idea of liberty.Both the statue and the word stand for something other than themselves.
Symbols
• We use symbols to quickly communicate concepts and complex information.
• In natural languages, words, not letters of the alphabet, convey information.
• Mathematics uses letters of alphabets along with some special symbols as shorthand for natural language words.
Symbols
The 5 types of math symbols you begin with are:•Numbers – the things we talk about•Variables - more things we talk about•Operations – used to make new things•Grouping Symbols – used for punctuation•Comparisons – used to make sentences
Math Symbols
Numbers
Variables
Math Englisha, b, c, …*x, y, z, …α, β, γ, …
number, a number, the number, etc.
* Any symbol: , , , …, etc., can be used as shorthand for the word “number”, but letters are easy to type and write.
Operations
Math
English
+ plus, increased by– negative, the negation of
(unary operation)– minus, decreased by, less
(binary operation)×,• times, multiplied by÷, / divided by
Grouping Symbols
Math English( ) parentheses[ ] brackets{ } braces
division bar
Comparisons
Math
English
=equals, is equal to, is the same number as
> is greater than< is less than
• What type of symbol is “)”?
• What type of symbol is “+”?
• What type of symbol is “>”?• What type of symbol is “y”?• Are “=“ and “2” the same type of
symbol?
Do you know your types?
Look these up on the Internet or in a library.
•What is the name of “+” in French?•What is the name of “3” in Chinese?•What is the name of “<“ in Arabic?•What is the name of “=“ in Turkish
Look it up
• What is the name of “7” in Spanish?• What is the name of “=“ in Russian?
• What is the name of “×” in Hindi?• What is the name of “1” in Swahili?• What is the name of “÷” in
Vietnamese?• What is the name of “0” in Martian?
Look it up
Discuss the use of symbols in some other area of human endeavor, such as
• Sports• Music• Science• Language• Art• History
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