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Discussion Unit 1

The document discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using mathematical notation. It notes that notation allows expressing concepts that would otherwise be impossible to write out, such as infinite sets, through the use of symbols. Notation also clarifies relationships between elements, such as set membership. However, a potential drawback is that notation requires learning symbols and if readers do not share an understanding of the meanings, communication may be difficult.

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Morassa Chona
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411 views2 pages

Discussion Unit 1

The document discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using mathematical notation. It notes that notation allows expressing concepts that would otherwise be impossible to write out, such as infinite sets, through the use of symbols. Notation also clarifies relationships between elements, such as set membership. However, a potential drawback is that notation requires learning symbols and if readers do not share an understanding of the meanings, communication may be difficult.

Uploaded by

Morassa Chona
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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In this first unit a lot of new notation has been introduced.

Notation, for logical statements, as well as for


sets and operations on sets. The use of notation is important in mathematics but can also be a source of
frustration and be difficult to learn. In this discussion I would like us to consider some of the benefits and
some of the drawbacks of mathematical notation. Consider the following questions:

(a) Describe two ways in which mathematical notation is useful. Give an example in each case
to demonstrate the benefits of your idea. For example, you might say that notation is useful because if a
symbol is used to stand for something impossible to write down (for example, an infinite set or an
infinite decimal expansion) then the power of this symbolism allows to denote something we otherwise
wouldn't  be able to. An example in this case would be the notation   which is used to denote the
infinite set of all real numbers.

(b) Describe one potential drawback of using mathematical notation. For example, you could say
that learning a lot of different notation is time-consuming. Try to give a specific example to make
your suggestion clear to others. You don't have to actually believe that your suggestion is a
genuine disadvantage.

Solution

I feel defining what a mathematical notation is will enable my readers to understand why symbols are
used and how they are applied.

So mathematical notation is a system or method of writing used for recording concepts in mathematics
(Wikipedia)

a) Two ways in which mathematical notation is useful are as follows;

i. Some mathematical expressions are better and simply expressed in a certain notation
even when considering that all other languages have the same basis

For example, the summation sign ∑ a mathematical notation like this is better
when you working on the sum of many or infinitely many values other than using
statements.

ii. Mathematical notations on the other hand represent the relationship between a sign
and the number or value it refers to. Certain ideas and relationships can be understood
clearly by use of mathematical notations.

For example, in sets ϵ is used to express that an element is a member of a particular set
and is read as is a member of i.e. A ϵ B. Most individuals will clearly understand the
relationship of the elements involved by this mathematical notation.

b) A potential drawback in using mathematical notation might be that if writers and reader do not
have a common understanding behind the set of mathematical notations and symbols, then it
would be difficult to communicate concepts in a simpler method.
Reference

1. Math Work Sheet Centre. (n.d.). Why Do We Use Symbols In Math. [Weblog]. Retrieved
from: http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/mathtips/symbolsinmath.html

2. Wikipedia (n.d.). Mathematical Notation. [Weblog]. Retrieved from:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_notation

3. Levin, O. (2016). Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction (2 edition). Retrieved from:


http://discrete.openmathbooks.org/pdfs/dmoi-tablet.pdf

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