Mathematical Language and Symbols

MATHEMATICS FACULTY

Department of Mathematics and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences
University of San Jose - Recoletos
Cebu City, Philippines

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Learning Outcome:
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 Acknowledge that mathematics is a useful language.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Video Presentation

Hilarious Language Barrier Misunderstanding

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Related Scenario

Instructions: Write a synthesis paper focusing on one of the

following topics:

Matemáticas es el lenguaje del universo.

Les mathématiques sont la langue de l’univers.
Wiskunde is die taal van die heelal.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Language

A system of communication, both oral and written, used to

foster understanding regarding a concept.
An expression of one’s identity done in a structured and
conventional manner.
An art and a science form of imaginative expression that is
used to solve problems in the real world.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Importance of Mathematical Language

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Importance of Mathematical Language

1 To understand the expressed ideas;

2 To communicate ideas to others;
3 To think and communicate in a mathematical way are
necessary to work in real-life problems;
4 To provide a powerful means of communication which can be
used to present findings in figures, tables, charts, graphs and
symbols.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Characteristics of the Language of Mathematics

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Characteristics of the Language of Mathematics

It is:

PRECISE able to make very fine distinctions (definitions)

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Characteristics of the Language of Mathematics

It is:

PRECISE able to make very fine distinctions (definitions)

CONCISE able to say things briefly (symbols)

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Characteristics of the Language of Mathematics

It is:

PRECISE able to make very fine distinctions (definitions)

CONCISE able to say things briefly (symbols)
POWERFUL able to express complex thoughts with relative ease.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language

In English:

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language

In English:

Nouns used to name things of interest like people,places, or

objects/things.
Sentence used to state complete thoughts.
contains a noun and a verb.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language

In English:

Nouns used to name things of interest like people,places, or

objects/things.
Sentence used to state complete thoughts.
contains a noun and a verb.

Example
1 Zita loves mathematics.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language

In English:

Nouns used to name things of interest like people,places, or

objects/things.
Sentence used to state complete thoughts.
contains a noun and a verb.

Example
1 Zita loves mathematics.
Zita and mathematics - are nouns
loves - is a verb

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language
In Mathematics:

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language
In Mathematics:

Expression/Mathematical expression

name given to a mathematical object of interest

correct arrangement of mathematical symbols
does not state a complete thought
does not make sense to ask the truth of the object

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language
In Mathematics:

Expression/Mathematical expression

name given to a mathematical object of interest

correct arrangement of mathematical symbols
does not state a complete thought
does not make sense to ask the truth of the object

Example
1 20
2 20 + 50
3 15%
4 x

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Points to Ponder

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Points to Ponder

Observe the following set of expressions.

6 4+2 11 − 5 2×3 30 ÷ 5

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Points to Ponder

Observe the following set of expressions.

6 4+2 11 − 5 2×3 30 ÷ 5

Expressions have lots of different names.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Points to Ponder

Observe the following set of expressions.

6 4+2 11 − 5 2×3 30 ÷ 5

Expressions have lots of different names.

The name we use depends on what we are doing with the
expression, and what it is used for.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Points to Ponder

Observe the following set of expressions.

6 4+2 11 − 5 2×3 30 ÷ 5

Expressions have lots of different names.

The name we use depends on what we are doing with the
expression, and what it is used for.
Common types of problem solving with expressions:
SIMPLIFY.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Points to Ponder

Observe the following set of expressions.

6 4+2 11 − 5 2×3 30 ÷ 5

Expressions have lots of different names.

The name we use depends on what we are doing with the
expression, and what it is used for.
Common types of problem solving with expressions:
SIMPLIFY.
SIMPLER EXPRESSION means :
fewer symbols
fewer operations
better suited for current use (3.25 units vs. 13/4 units)
Preferred style or format (reduced form)

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Example

The number ten has lots of different names. Give names satisfying
the following properties.
1 the standard name
2 a name using a plus sign, +
3 a name using a minus sign, −
4 a name using a division sign, ÷
5 a name using a multiplication sign, ×

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language
In Mathematics:

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language
In Mathematics:

Mathematical Sentence

a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols that states a

complete thought
it makes sense to ask about its truth value
contains verb (equal sign or inequality symbol)
may contain a connective (operations, logical connectives)

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language
In Mathematics:

Mathematical Sentence

a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols that states a

complete thought
it makes sense to ask about its truth value
contains verb (equal sign or inequality symbol)
may contain a connective (operations, logical connectives)

Example
1 2+3=5
2 5% of 20 = 1
3 x2 ≥ 0
4 3 × 5 = 10
MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols
Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.
Example
TRUE or FALSE:

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.
Example
TRUE or FALSE:
1 Rectangle is a polygon

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.
Example
TRUE or FALSE:
1 Rectangle is a polygon
2 5 > 10

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.
Example
TRUE or FALSE:
1 Rectangle is a polygon
2 5 > 10
3 A line consists at least two points.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.
Example
TRUE or FALSE:
1 Rectangle is a polygon
2 5 > 10
3 A line consists at least two points.
4 6 is a Fibonacci number.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.
Example
TRUE or FALSE:
1 Rectangle is a polygon
2 5 > 10
3 A line consists at least two points.
4 6 is a Fibonacci number.
5 The golden ratio is equal to 1.628.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Truth of Sentences

Sentences can be true or false. The notion of truth (i.e., the

property of being true or false) is of fundamental importance in the
mathematical language.
Example
TRUE or FALSE:
1 Rectangle is a polygon
2 5 > 10
3 A line consists at least two points.
4 6 is a Fibonacci number.
5 The golden ratio is equal to 1.628.
6 x −1=0

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

English Language vs Mathematical Language

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

Consider the following conversation in a car at a noisy intersection:

Carol: ”Turn left!”

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

Consider the following conversation in a car at a noisy intersection:

Carol: ”Turn left!”

Bob: ”I didn’t hear you. Left?”

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

Consider the following conversation in a car at a noisy intersection:

Carol: ”Turn left!”

Bob: ”I didn’t hear you. Left?”
Carol: ”Right!”

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

Consider the following conversation in a car at a noisy intersection:

Carol: ”Turn left!”

Bob: ”I didn’t hear you. Left?”
Carol: ”Right!”
Question: Which way will Bob turn?

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

Consider the following conversation in a car at a noisy intersection:

Carol: ”Turn left!”

Bob: ”I didn’t hear you. Left?”
Carol: ”Right!”
Question: Which way will Bob turn?

The primary way that ambiguity is avoided is by the use of

definitions.
By defining words and phrases, it is assured that everyone
agrees on their meaning.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

Mathematical Expression
An expression is the mathematical analogue of an English noun; it
is a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols used to
represent a mathematical object of interest. An expression does
NOT state a complete thought; in particular, it does not make
sense to ask if an expression is true or false.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Definitions in Mathematics

Mathematical Expression
An expression is the mathematical analogue of an English noun; it
is a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols used to
represent a mathematical object of interest. An expression does
NOT state a complete thought; in particular, it does not make
sense to ask if an expression is true or false.

Mathematical Sentence
A mathematical sentence is the analogue of an English sentence; it
is a correct arrangement of mathematical symbols that states a
complete thought. It makes sense to ask about the TRUTH of a
sentence: Is it true? Is it false? Is it sometimes true/sometimes
false?

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

The Grammar of Mathematics

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

The Grammar of Mathematics

Definition
A structural rules governing the use of symbols representing
mathematical objects

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

The Grammar of Mathematics

Definition
A structural rules governing the use of symbols representing
mathematical objects

Example

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

The Grammar of Mathematics

Definition
A structural rules governing the use of symbols representing
mathematical objects

Example
1 4 is the principal square root of 16
2 4 is less than 6
3 4 is a composite number

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

The Grammar of Mathematics

Definition
A structural rules governing the use of symbols representing
mathematical objects

Example
1 4 is the principal square root of 16
2 4 is less than 6
3 4 is a composite number

Comparison
1 “is” → means equal
2 “is” → means inequality
3 “is” → means membership in a set

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Some Difficulties in the Mathematical Language

The word “is” could mean equality, inequality or membership

in a set.
Different uses of a number: cardinal, ordinal, nominal
Mathematical objects maybe represented in many ways such
as sets and functions
The words “AND” and “OR” mean differently in Mathematics
from its English use.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Activity 2 : Exploring Mathematical Symbols

Round 1 Taong Bahay

Each group must search for at least 10 mathematical
symbols and write these symbols in the manila paper
with their corresponding meaning and uses. The
group’s output will be evaluated by the other groups.
The output will be evaluated based on the number of
symbols and accuracy in addressing the evaluator’s
questions.
Round 2 Quiz Bowl
Each group must answer the questions given by the
quizmaster about the different mathematical
symbols. The number of correct answers serves as
the score in this round.

Note: The combined scores in round 1 and 2 serves as the final

score for this activity.
MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols
MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols
Sets

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Sets

Set a well-defined collection of distinct objects denoted

by uppercase letters A, B, C , D, . . .

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Sets

Set a well-defined collection of distinct objects denoted

by uppercase letters A, B, C , D, . . .

Example
1 The set of students enrolled in the course GE MMW in USJ-R.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Sets

Set a well-defined collection of distinct objects denoted

by uppercase letters A, B, C , D, . . .

Example
1 The set of students enrolled in the course GE MMW in USJ-R.
2 The set of distinct letters in the word “Mathematics”.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Roster Method (Tabulation) all objects/members of a set are

listed, separated by commas and enclosed within
braces. The order in which the objects/members are
listed is immaterial.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Roster Method (Tabulation) all objects/members of a set are

listed, separated by commas and enclosed within
braces. The order in which the objects/members are
listed is immaterial.
Example:

A ={1, 2, 3, 4}
B ={Saturday, Sunday}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Rule Method (Description) the common characteristic of the

members of a set is described and is enclosed within
braces

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Rule Method (Description) the common characteristic of the

members of a set is described and is enclosed within
braces

Example:
A = {counting numbers less than 5}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Rule Method (Description) the common characteristic of the

members of a set is described and is enclosed within
braces

Example:
A = {counting numbers less than 5}
B = {days of the week that begin with letter S}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Rule Method (Description) the common characteristic of the

members of a set is described and is enclosed within
braces

Example:
A = {counting numbers less than 5}
B = {days of the week that begin with letter S}
or in
Set-builder form of the rule method

A ={x |x is a counting number less than 5}

B ={x |x is a day of the week beginning with letter S}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Note that any other symbol like the letters y , z, etc can be
used.
The symbol should be followed by a colon (:) or a vertical bar
(|) read as “such that”.
After the colon or vertical bar sign, we write the characteristic
property possessed by the members of the set and then
enclose the whole description within braces

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Methods of Writing Sets

Note that any other symbol like the letters y , z, etc can be
used.
The symbol should be followed by a colon (:) or a vertical bar
(|) read as “such that”.
After the colon or vertical bar sign, we write the characteristic
property possessed by the members of the set and then
enclose the whole description within braces

{x |x is a counting number less than 5} is read as “x

such that x is a counting number less than 5”.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Elements the objects that belong to the set denoted by

lowercase letters a, b, c, d, . . .

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Elements the objects that belong to the set denoted by

lowercase letters a, b, c, d, . . .

Notation If A is a set, and a is an element of A then we write

a ∈ A which is read as “a is an element of Set A”.
On the other hand, a ∈ / A reads “a is not an
element of Set A” which means that a does not
belong to set A.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Elements the objects that belong to the set denoted by

lowercase letters a, b, c, d, . . .

Notation If A is a set, and a is an element of A then we write

a ∈ A which is read as “a is an element of Set A”.
On the other hand, a ∈ / A reads “a is not an
element of Set A” which means that a does not
belong to set A.

Example
Given A = {m, o, n, d, a, y }

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Elements the objects that belong to the set denoted by

lowercase letters a, b, c, d, . . .

Notation If A is a set, and a is an element of A then we write

a ∈ A which is read as “a is an element of Set A”.
On the other hand, a ∈ / A reads “a is not an
element of Set A” which means that a does not
belong to set A.

Example
Given A = {m, o, n, d, a, y } then m ∈ A, o ∈ A, but e ∈
/ A.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set
Notation If a set A is a subset of a set B, then we write A ⊆ B
which is read as “set A is a subset of set B”. On
the other hand, A * B reads “set A is not a subset
of set B”.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set
Notation If a set A is a subset of a set B, then we write A ⊆ B
which is read as “set A is a subset of set B”. On
the other hand, A * B reads “set A is not a subset
of set B”.

Example
1 If A = {d, a, y }, and B = {m, o, n, d, a, y }

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set
Notation If a set A is a subset of a set B, then we write A ⊆ B
which is read as “set A is a subset of set B”. On
the other hand, A * B reads “set A is not a subset
of set B”.

Example
1 If A = {d, a, y }, and B = {m, o, n, d, a, y } then A ⊆ B.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set
Notation If a set A is a subset of a set B, then we write A ⊆ B
which is read as “set A is a subset of set B”. On
the other hand, A * B reads “set A is not a subset
of set B”.

Example
1 If A = {d, a, y }, and B = {m, o, n, d, a, y } then A ⊆ B.
2 If A = {m, o, n, d, a, y }, and B = {m, a, d}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set
Notation If a set A is a subset of a set B, then we write A ⊆ B
which is read as “set A is a subset of set B”. On
the other hand, A * B reads “set A is not a subset
of set B”.

Example
1 If A = {d, a, y }, and B = {m, o, n, d, a, y } then A ⊆ B.
2 If A = {m, o, n, d, a, y }, and B = {m, a, d} then B ⊆ A.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set
Notation If a set A is a subset of a set B, then we write A ⊆ B
which is read as “set A is a subset of set B”. On
the other hand, A * B reads “set A is not a subset
of set B”.

Example
1 If A = {d, a, y }, and B = {m, o, n, d, a, y } then A ⊆ B.
2 If A = {m, o, n, d, a, y }, and B = {m, a, d} then B ⊆ A.
3 If A = {m, o, n, d, a, y }, and B = {y , a, r , d}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Notations

Subset is a set of elements that are also in another set, i.e.,

all elements in the set are also contained in another
set
Notation If a set A is a subset of a set B, then we write A ⊆ B
which is read as “set A is a subset of set B”. On
the other hand, A * B reads “set A is not a subset
of set B”.

Example
1 If A = {d, a, y }, and B = {m, o, n, d, a, y } then A ⊆ B.
2 If A = {m, o, n, d, a, y }, and B = {m, a, d} then B ⊆ A.
3 If A = {m, o, n, d, a, y }, and B = {y , a, r , d} then B * A.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅
Example:
A={a 100−year old student in USJ-R}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅
Example:
A={a 100−year old student in USJ-R}
Singleton a set which contains one element.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅
Example:
A={a 100−year old student in USJ-R}
Singleton a set which contains one element.
Example:
Z={days of the week beginning with letter M}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅
Example:
A={a 100−year old student in USJ-R}
Singleton a set which contains one element.
Example:
Z={days of the week beginning with letter M}
Universal set the set containing all objects or elements and of
which all other sets are subsets denoted by U.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅
Example:
A={a 100−year old student in USJ-R}
Singleton a set which contains one element.
Example:
Z={days of the week beginning with letter M}
Universal set the set containing all objects or elements and of
which all other sets are subsets denoted by U.
Power set the power set of a set A, denoted by P(A), is the set
consisting all the subsets of set A.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅
Example:
A={a 100−year old student in USJ-R}
Singleton a set which contains one element.
Example:
Z={days of the week beginning with letter M}
Universal set the set containing all objects or elements and of
which all other sets are subsets denoted by U.
Power set the power set of a set A, denoted by P(A), is the set
consisting all the subsets of set A.
Example:
If A = {1, 2} then

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Null or empty set a set which has no elements denoted by { }

or ∅
Example:
A={a 100−year old student in USJ-R}
Singleton a set which contains one element.
Example:
Z={days of the week beginning with letter M}
Universal set the set containing all objects or elements and of
which all other sets are subsets denoted by U.
Power set the power set of a set A, denoted by P(A), is the set
consisting all the subsets of set A.
Example:
If A = {1, 2} then
P(A) = {∅, {1}, {2}, {1, 2}, }

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Cardinality of a set number of elements of the set

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Cardinality of a set number of elements of the set

Example:
A = {1, 2, 3, 4} → |A| = 4

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Cardinality of a set number of elements of the set

Example:
A = {1, 2, 3, 4} → |A| = 4
Finite sets countable/ possible to write down complete list of all
elements

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Cardinality of a set number of elements of the set

Example:
A = {1, 2, 3, 4} → |A| = 4
Finite sets countable/ possible to write down complete list of all
elements
Example:
A is the set of counting number less than 10

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Cardinality of a set number of elements of the set

Example:
A = {1, 2, 3, 4} → |A| = 4
Finite sets countable/ possible to write down complete list of all
elements
Example:
A is the set of counting number less than 10
Infinite sets not possible to write all the elements

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Cardinality of a set number of elements of the set

Example:
A = {1, 2, 3, 4} → |A| = 4
Finite sets countable/ possible to write down complete list of all
elements
Example:
A is the set of counting number less than 10
Infinite sets not possible to write all the elements
Example:
Set B is the set of all counting numbers

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Equal sets Two sets are equal if both have the same elements.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Equal sets Two sets are equal if both have the same elements.
Example:

E ={x : x is a distinct letter in the word stoop}

F ={x : x is a letter in the word spot}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Equal sets Two sets are equal if both have the same elements.
Example:

E ={x : x is a distinct letter in the word stoop}

F ={x : x is a letter in the word spot}

Note that in roster method,

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Equal sets Two sets are equal if both have the same elements.
Example:

E ={x : x is a distinct letter in the word stoop}

F ={x : x is a letter in the word spot}

Note that in roster method,

E ={s, t, o, p}
F ={s, p, o, t}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Kinds of Sets

Equal sets Two sets are equal if both have the same elements.
Example:

E ={x : x is a distinct letter in the word stoop}

F ={x : x is a letter in the word spot}

Note that in roster method,

E ={s, t, o, p}
F ={s, p, o, t}

Hence, E = F .

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Union The union of sets A and B is defined as the set of

elements that belong to A or B denoted by A ∪ B
which is read as “A union B”.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Union The union of sets A and B is defined as the set of

elements that belong to A or B denoted by A ∪ B
which is read as “A union B”.
A ∪ B = {x |x ∈ A or x ∈ B}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Union The union of sets A and B is defined as the set of

elements that belong to A or B denoted by A ∪ B
which is read as “A union B”.
A ∪ B = {x |x ∈ A or x ∈ B}
Example

A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {2, 3, 5, 7}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Union The union of sets A and B is defined as the set of

elements that belong to A or B denoted by A ∪ B
which is read as “A union B”.
A ∪ B = {x |x ∈ A or x ∈ B}
Example

A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {2, 3, 5, 7}
A ∪ B = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Intersection The intersection of two sets A and B is defined as

the set of all elements that belong to both/all sets
denoted by A ∩ B which is read as “A intersection B”.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Intersection The intersection of two sets A and B is defined as

the set of all elements that belong to both/all sets
denoted by A ∩ B which is read as “A intersection B”.
A ∩ B = {x |x ∈ A and x ∈ B}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Intersection The intersection of two sets A and B is defined as

the set of all elements that belong to both/all sets
denoted by A ∩ B which is read as “A intersection B”.
A ∩ B = {x |x ∈ A and x ∈ B}
Example

A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {2, 3, 5, 7}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Intersection The intersection of two sets A and B is defined as

the set of all elements that belong to both/all sets
denoted by A ∩ B which is read as “A intersection B”.
A ∩ B = {x |x ∈ A and x ∈ B}
Example

A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {2, 3, 5, 7}
A ∩ B = {2, 3}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Relative complement The relative component of set B with respect

to A is denoted by A − B is defined to be the set of
all elements that belong to A but do not belong to B
denoted by A − B which is read as “A minus B”.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Relative complement The relative component of set B with respect

to A is denoted by A − B is defined to be the set of
all elements that belong to A but do not belong to B
denoted by A − B which is read as “A minus B”.
A − B = {x |x ∈ A and x ∈
/ B}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Relative complement The relative component of set B with respect

to A is denoted by A − B is defined to be the set of
all elements that belong to A but do not belong to B
denoted by A − B which is read as “A minus B”.
A − B = {x |x ∈ A and x ∈
/ B}
Example

A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {2, 3, 5, 7}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Relative complement The relative component of set B with respect

to A is denoted by A − B is defined to be the set of
all elements that belong to A but do not belong to B
denoted by A − B which is read as “A minus B”.
A − B = {x |x ∈ A and x ∈
/ B}
Example

A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
B = {2, 3, 5, 7}
A − B = {1, 4}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Absolute complement Given set A. The absolute complement of

set A is the set of all elements of the universal set U
which do not belong to A denoted by Ac which is
read as “A complement”.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Absolute complement Given set A. The absolute complement of

set A is the set of all elements of the universal set U
which do not belong to A denoted by Ac which is
read as “A complement”.
Ac = {x |x ∈ U and x ∈
/ A}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Absolute complement Given set A. The absolute complement of

set A is the set of all elements of the universal set U
which do not belong to A denoted by Ac which is
read as “A complement”.
Ac = {x |x ∈ U and x ∈
/ A}
Example

U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
A = {1, 2, 3, 4}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Operations on sets

Absolute complement Given set A. The absolute complement of

set A is the set of all elements of the universal set U
which do not belong to A denoted by Ac which is
read as “A complement”.
Ac = {x |x ∈ U and x ∈
/ A}
Example

U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
Ac = {5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Sets and Venn Diagram

Financial Aid Survey of a Small College (100 sophomores).

49 received Government grants (G)

55 received Private scholarships (P)
43 received College aid (C)
23 received Gov. grants & Pri. scholar.
18 received Gov. grants & College aid
28 received Pri. scholar. & College aid
8 received funds from all three

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Sets and Venn Diagram

Financial Aid Survey of a Small College (100 sophomores).

49 received Government grants (G)

55 received Private scholarships (P)
43 received College aid (C)
23 received Gov. grants & Pri. scholar.
18 received Gov. grants & College aid
28 received Pri. scholar. & College aid
8 received funds from all three
Construct the Venn Diagram illustrating the Financial Aid Survey
of a Small College (100 sophomores) and answer the following:
1 How many sophomores received the financial aid only from

the Government Grants?

2 How many sophomores received the financial aid both

Government Grants and Private Scholarship only?

3 How many sophomores do not have any financial aid as

indicated in the survey?

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols
Activity

Let U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}, A = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}, C {1, 2, 3}

and B = {1, 2, 3, 5, 8}. Compute the following expressions:
1 A∩B
2 A∪B
3 A−B
4 Ac
5 Ac − B
6 A∩B∩C
7 P(B)

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Performance Task 2: Mathematical Language and
Symbols

Instructions: Write a reaction paper focusing on one of the

following arguments:
1 Mathematics is not a language but a useless set of formal
rules and unfamiliar symbols.
2 Mathematics confuses the communication of concepts and
ideas.
3 Mathematics is full of unnecessary symbols and rules.
The reaction paper should be 2-3 pages in length, double spaced
and use 12 point font(Times New Roman).

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

Rubrics

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols

REFERENCES

http://www.onemathematicalcat.org
Exploring the Basics of Mathematics in the Modern World by
Dionsay, et al.

MATHEMATICS FACULTY Mathematical Language and Symbols