Unit 2 Mathematical Language and Symbols Simplified
Unit 2 Mathematical Language and Symbols Simplified
Introduction
“The laws of nature are written in the language of mathematics.”- Galileo Galilei
Forget everything you know about numbers. In fact, forget you even know what a
number is. This is where mathematics starts. Instead of mathematics with
numbers, we will now think about math “things” as a language.
Imagine a scenario in Math class where the instructor passes a piece of paper to
each student that contains Problems in Math written in foreign language that they
do not understand! Each student is to read it and make comments. Is the
instructor being fair?
This situation has a very strong analogy in Mathematics. People frequently have
trouble understanding mathematical ideas because they are being presented in a
foreign language – The language of Mathematics!
Like any language, Mathematics has its own symbols, syntax and rules to follow
for us to express and communicate ideas to others.
Following from the first unit of module, this second unit focuses on various
special languages as the foundation of mathematical thought, the language of
variables, sets, relations and functions. The activities and readings in this module
are quite straight-forward. However, extensive and elaborative discussions of the
concepts are expected from you.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this unit, you are expected to:
a. discuss the language, symbols and conventions of mathematics;
b. explain the nature of mathematics as a language;
c. identify conventions in the mathematical language;
d. perform operations on mathematical expressions correctly; and
e. acknowledge that mathematics is a useful language.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
1. In a group of 60 people, 27 like cold drinks and 42 like hot drinks and
each person likes at least one of the two drinks. How many like both
coffee and tea?
2. In a group of 100 persons, 72 people can speak English and 43 can
speak French. How many can speak English only? How many can speak
French only and how many can speak both English and French?
Learning Objectives
Presentation of Content
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
In English, nouns are used to name things we want to talk about (like people,
places and things); whereas sentences are used to state complete thought. A
typical English sentence has at least one noun, and at least one verb. For example,
Gemma loves Mathematics.
We call mathematical analogue of NOUN as EXPRESSION. Thus an expression
is a name given to a mathematical object of interest such as number, set, matrix
and average to name a few.
Expressions versus Sentences
MATHEMATICS
Expression Sentence
(name given to mathematical object (must state a complete
of interest) thought)
Number TRUE : 1+ 2 = 3
Number, Set, Matrix, Ordered FALSE: 1 + 2 = 4
pair, Average ST/SF : x =1
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
IV. What are the Basic Concepts and Objects that we use in Mathematics?
To better understand mathematical language, one must have an understanding of
at least a few of the four basic mathematical objects and concepts.
a. Objects in Mathematics are Numbers, Variables, and Operations (unary &
binary).
b. Four Basic Concepts are: sets (relationships, operations, properties),
relations (Equivalence relations), functions and binary operations.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
1
The multiplicative inverse of element a is where a ≠ 0
a
1 1
(reciprocal of a ) such that × a=a × =1
a a
()()
The multiplicative inverse of 5 is 5 ×
1
5
=
1
5
× 5=1. Multiplying
Application
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Can you think of other terms that you can add in the concept map?
B. Directions: Find out how much you already know about these topics. On
a sheet of paper, write the letter of the option that best answers the
question.
1. The multiplicative inverse of -1/2
a. ½ c. -2
b. 2 d. 1
2. The additive inverse of the multiplicative inverse of -3/5
a. 3/5 c. -3/5
b. -5/3 d. 5/3
3. Which property of the real numbers is used in the relation
(A + B) + C = A + (B+ C)?
a. Commutative Property c. Closure Property
b. Associative Property d. Transitive Property
4. What is the identity element for multiplication?
a. 0 c. -1
b. 1 d. None of them
5. The multiplicative inverse of zero
a. 0 c. 1
b. any number d. undefined
6. The equivalent of 6 { 3 2[5(10)] + 7}
a. 6 c. 20
b. 26 d. 28
7. Which of the following is a symmetric property of equality?
a. x = x c. if a = b, then b = a.
b. if a = b and b = c, then a = c. d. if a = b, then a – c = b – c.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
a. -15 c. 15
b. 9 d. -9
12. 38+12 ÷ 2−15 ÷ 3+2=?
a. 5 1/3 c. 37
b. 22 d. 41
13. 60 ÷ 12+ 4 × 6−50 ÷ 10=?
a. 17.5 c. 0.4
b. 49 d. 24
Learning Objectives
Upon the completion of this topic, you are expected to:
a. identify conventions in the mathematical language;
b. define universal and existential quantifiers;
c. translate statements/phrases to variables or mathematical symbols using
quantifiers:
Presentation of Content
Suppose we say something like “At time t the speed of a car is S. The letters t and
S stand for real numbers and they are called variables.
More generally, a variable is any letter used to stand for a mathematical object,
whether or not one thinks of that object as changing through time. (1) it has one or
more values or (2) it is equally true for all elements in a given set.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Solution:
a. Let x be the number then 2 x+5=x 2.
b. Let y be a number, if y >2 than y 2 >4 .
c. a 2+ b2=(a+b)2.
d. For any real number z, z 2 ≥ 0 .
Universal Statement says that a certain property is true for all elements in a set.
Definition:
Let P be a propositional function with domain of discourse D. The statement
for all x, P(x) is said to be a Universally Quantified Statement.
The statement for all x, P(x) may be written as:
“ ∀ x , P(x ) . The symbol ∀ means “for all” and is called the universal
quantifier.
∀ x , P(x ) is True if P(x) is true for every x in D.
¿ is false if P ( x ) is False for at least one x∈ D .
“for every x ∈ R ,| x|≥ 0 ”
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
An Existential Statement says that there is at least one thing for which the
property is true.
Definition:
Let P be a propositional function with domain of discourse D. The statement
there exists x, P(x) is said to be Existentially Quantified Statement .
The statement there exists x, P(x) may be written as:
“∃ x , P (x) .
The symbol ∃ means “there exists” and is called the existential quantifier.
There is a prime number that is even.
x , P(x ) is True if P(x) is true for at least one x in D. It is false if P left (x right ) is False for
every x ∈ D .
“There exist ε > 0. s . t .|F 9 x ¿−L|< ε .”
( x
)
b. ∃ x , 2 >0 x ∈ Z
x +1
c. ∃ x , ( x 2> x ) , x ∈ Z −¿ ¿
d. ∃ x , ( x> 1→ x 2=x ) , x ∈ R
e. There exists an elementary student who can vote for the national election.
LOGIC
It is not so simple in the complex world of today to encapsulate the subject of
reasoning. Logic is the science of reason for business executives and attorneys.
Proper thinking they frequently employ logic to formulate persuasive arguments,
review binding agreements, and resolve challenging issues. Logic's tenets can also
be applied as a tool for productivity. For instance, logic is used by programmers
to create computer software. The electronic circuitry in computers are designed by
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
engineers using logic, and mathematics use logic to create mathematical proofs
and solve problems.
Every language uses a variety of sentences, including instructions, questions,
and declarations. For example,
"Is the exam tomorrow?
" is an inquiry.
"Get the newspaper," is a directive.
This automobile is nice, in my opinion.
Denver is the state's capital, and this is a reality.
Only sentences that are statements according to the definitions below are
covered by the symbolic logic that Boole played a key role in developing.
Definition of a Statement A statement is a declarative sentence that is either true
or false, but not both true and false
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
president of the United States will be a woman. e. Solution See page S7. x 3 4 5
8 x 1 5 x 4, 999 2 x 1 5 999 2 3.1
Application
You have done so much at this point. You are entitled to some rest before
you proceed. Why don’t you take a short break and then come back to finish the
unit module?
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Learning Objectives
Upon the completion of this topic, you are expected to:
d. define set, inclusive, element, object and write them using the set
notations;
e. describe sets using the roster and rule method:
f. identify some kinds of sets and their properties;
g. perform operations on sets; and
h. illustrate the relationship of sets using Venn diagram.
Introduction
We are now ready to discuss these concepts on sets and set operation in the
context of the set of numbers.
In this part of a unit, you will learn the foundational topic on Algebra from which
virtually all of mathematics can be derived. You will undertake to define set,
identify kind of sets and perform its operations.
Presentation of Content
NOTE: The notation {x | x...} is read as the set of all x such that x is....
Example 9:
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
b. Another example, with respect to the sets A = {1, 2, 3, 4}, B = {blue, white,
red}, and F = {n2 − 4 : n is an integer; and 0 ≤ n ≤ 19} defined above, 4
∈ A and 12 ∈ F; but 9 ∉ F and green ∉ B.
Notation Meaning
3∈ A 3 is an element of set A
15 ∉ B 15 is not an element of a set B
{3} ⊂ A The set consisting of 3 is a subset of set A
{ 15 } ⊄ B The set consisting of 15 is not a subset of set B
Describing Set
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
extensionally as {1, 2, 3, ..., 1000}, where the ellipsis ("...") indicates that the
list continues in the obvious way. Ellipses may also be used where sets have
infinitely many members. Thus the set of positive even numbers can be written
as {2, 4, 6, 8, ... }.
2. Rule Method. This second way of describing and naming set is by using a
definition or semantic description. Using a set-builder notation.
For instance, S = {x | x is a counting number less than or equal to 12}. The set-
builder notation above is read as “the set of all x such that x is a counting
number less than or equal to 12.”
Application
Direction: Use the following sets. Identify each statement whether it is true or
false. Element ∈ Set to set subset ⊂
A = { 1,2 } B = { } C = {1, 2,3,4,5} D ={-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3} E = {0}
1. 1 ∈ A True 3. {1 , 2 }∈ C False 5. {1 , 2 }⊂ C True 7. E ∈ D false
2. B⊂ A True 4. E⊄ B False 6. 5 ∉ D True 8. {1 }⊄ A False
That was a little difficult, wasn’t it? Well, the purpose of the activity was to let
you understand the importance of set.
Please continue reading the rest of the unit. In particular, kinds of sets.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Kinds of Sets
The cardinality n(S) of a set S is "the number of elements of S." For example,
if B = {yellow, blue, white, red}, then n(B) = 4.
5. Equivalent Set. Two sets are equivalent if and only if they have the same
number of elements. They have the same cardinality. Given two sets A ={ a,
b, c, d, e}, B = {1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 }, n(A) = 5 and n(B) =5 thus A and B are
equivalent sets but not precisely equal set. Note: All equal sets are
equivalent sets.
and is denoted by the symbol ∅ (other notations are used { }). For example,
6. Empty/Void/Null Set is a unique set with no members and zero cardinality
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
8. Disjoint Sets. Two sets are disjoint sets if and only if they have no elements
in common. Given two sets A = {v, w, x, y, z}, B = {a, e, i, o ,u } are
disjoint sets because they have no elements in common.
9. Overlapping Sets. Two sets are overlapping sets if and only if they have at
least one element in common. Given two sets A ={ a, b, c, d, e}, B = A, e, i,
o ,u }. Sets A and B are overlapping set because they have {a, e} in
common.
3}, {1, 2}, {1, 3}, {2, 3}, {1}, {2}, {3}, ∅}}.
a. The power set of Z= {1, 2, 3} contains 23 = 8 elements is P(Z)= {{1, 2,
b. Given the set A = {6, 11}, the power set of A equal to 2n(A) =22 = 4
elements, thus, P(A) = { {}, {6}, {11}, {6,11} }.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Now, I believe you are ready to answer the following Assessment Questions.
Feedback/ Assessment
A. Use the sets provided and complete each statement using ∈ ,∉ , ⊂∨⊄.
1
2 {
A = ,1 ,
3
2 }
B ={} C = {1,2,3,4,5} D = {0}
1 3
E = {0, , 1, } F = { -1, 0, 1,2,3,4,5}
2 2
1.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Venn Diagrams
We are familiar with the use of Venn diagram to illustrate operations and
relationships on sets and a useful tool for solving certain types of problems. A
Venn diagram uses circles (or any simple closed curves) inside a rectangle to
represent relationship among groups of people or objects. Often these groups are
referred to as sets.
A B
A-B A∩ B B-A
(A∪B)’
Applications of Sets
Example 20: There are 25 sophomores who have seen Star Gazers, (Part I), 36
who have seen Star Gazers, (Part II), and 17 who have seen both movies. How
many sophomores saw one movie, but did not see both?
A B
Solution: the rectangle represents all freshmen.
8 17 19
Circle A represents those who saw Part I.
Therefore, there are 36-17=19 sophomores who did not see Part I and 25-17=8
sophomores who did not see Part II. A total of 19 +8 = 27 sophomores saw one
movie but did not see both.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
How are you handling the lesson so far? We hope our discussion have been clear.
If not, we can always discuss them during tutorial sessions or re read the unit
presentation once again. In the meantime, please do the following activity.
Now, I believe you are ready to answer the following Assessment Questions.
A. Direction: Find out how much you already know about these topics.
Given the following sets answer the following and write your answer on a
sheet of paper.
U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}
D = {1, 3, 5, 7}, E = {2, 4, 6, 8} F = {1, 5, 6, 8, 9}.
1) D ' 6) D ∪ E
2) D ∩ F 7) D∆ F
3) (E ∆ F )' 8) (D ∩ E)'
4) F−E 9) ( D ∪ E )' −F
5) (E−F)' 10) (D ∪ E ∪ F)'
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Introduction
Learning Objectives
Presentation of Content
Definition of Relation
A relation is a set of ordered pairs such that the set of all first coordinates of the
ordered pairs in a Relation R is called the Domain of the relation R and the set of
all the second coordinates of the ordered pairs called images is called the Range
of R.
A relation maybe expressed as a statement, arrow diagram, table, equation, set-
builder notation and graph.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Example: Relation
1
a. The set R= {(1, 2), ( , 4), (3, 6), (4, 8), (5, 10)} is a relation,
2
expressed in set-builder notation where the domain of
1
R ={1, , 3, 4, 5} and the range of R={2, 4, 6, 8, 10}.
2
1
c. Table form of the set R= {(1, 2), ( , 4), (3, 6), (4, 8), (5, 10)}.
2
A B
1 2
1 4
2
3 6
4 8
5 10
1
d. The set R= {(1, 2), ( , 4), (3, 6), (4, 8), (5, 10)} is expressed using
2
graph. The first number is called the x-coordinate or abscissa. The
second number is called the y-coordinate or coordinate. The graph of
an ordered pair (x,y) is a point on the coordinate plane. The numbers in
an ordered pair are called the coordinates of the point they locate.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Types of Relations
1 2
S1
T1
S2
S3
D. Many-to-Many Relation
It is a complicated mapping where two or more members from the first set are
mapped to two or more elements of the second set.
Example If A={2, 4, 7} and B={5, 6}, then
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
5
2
4
6
7
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Functions
The concept of function provides the essential tool in applying mathematical
formulations in solving problems. For instance, the statement “the area of a circle
depends on its radius” can be denoted as A= f(r), where A represents the area and
r, the radius. This is read as “Area is a function of radius”.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
A simple method called the vertical-line test can help you determine when a
relation is a function. If you draw a vertical line at any place on the graph and it
crosses more than one point of the graph, the relation is not a function. If a
vertical line never crosses more than one point, the relation is a function.
Example:
Evaluating Functions
One of the most basic activities in mathematics is to take a mathematical object
and transform into another one.
The functional notation y = f(x) allows us to denote specific values of a function.
To evaluate a function is to substitute the specified values of the independent
variable in the formula and simplify.
Example 25: Function
When f(x) = 2x – 3, (a) find f(2), (b) f(-1), (c) f(5)
Solution:
a). f(2) = 2(2) – 3 = 4 – 3 = 1 .
b). f(-1) = 2(-1) – 3 = -2 – 3 = -5
Operations of Functions
Functions with overlapping domains can be added, subtracted, multiplied and
divided. If f (x) and g(x ) are two functions, then for all x in the domain of both
functions the sum, difference, product and quotient are defined as follows
a. Addition of two functions
( f +g ) ( x ) =f ( x )+ g ( x ) , for all x ∈ Domain .
b. Subtraction of two functions
( f −g ) ( x )=f ( x )−g ( x ) , for all x ∈ Domain .
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
c. Multiplication by a Scalar
Then the product of α f = αf ( x ) =αf ( x ) , for all x ∈ Domain .
()
Find ( f +g ) ( x ) , ( f −g ) ( x ) , ( f ∙ g ) ( x ), and
f
g
( x ).
Solution: ( f +g ) ( x ) =f ( x )+ g (x)
¿ ( 3 x+ 1 )+ ( x 2−5 )
2
¿ x + 3 x−4 .
( f −g ) ( x )=f ( x )−g (x)
2
¿ ( 3 x+ 1 )−(x −5)
2
¿−x + 3 x +6 .
( f ∙ g ) ( x )=f ( x ) × g(x )
¿ ( 3 x+ 1 ) ( x 2−5 )
3 2
¿ 3 x + x −15 x−5.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
¿ 0.
( f −g ) ( 0 ) =f ( 0 ) −g (0)
2
¿−(0) +3 (0)+ 6
¿ 6.
( f ∙ g ) (−1 )=f (−1 ) × g (−1)
3 2
¿ 3(−1) +(−1) −15 (−1)−5
¿−3+1+15−5
¿ 8.
and ()
f
g
( 2 )=
f (2) 3 (2)+1
=
g(2) (2)2−5
7
¿ =−7.∎
−1
Example 3: If f and g are real functions defined by f ( x )=x +7∧¿
2
g ( x )=3 x +2 , find each
a. f ( 1 ) + g(3)
b. 2 ∙ f ( 1)
c. f ( 2 )+ g (0)
d. f (−1 )−g(−2)
e. f ( 3 ) ∙ g(5)
f (−2 )
f.
g (−2)
f (3 )
g. f ( 2 )+
g(1)
Solution:
a. f ( 1 ) =1+ 7=8and g ( 3 )=3 (3)2+2=3 ( 9 ) +2=29
Thus, f ( 1 ) + g ( 3 ) =8+29=37.
b. 2 ∙ f ( 1 )=2 ∙ ( 1+7 )
¿ 2 ∙( 8 )
¿ 16.
c. f ( 2 )=2+7=9and g ( 0 )=3(0)2+ 2=2
Thus, f ( 2 )+ g ( 0 )=9+2
¿ 11.
d. f ( −1 ) =−1+7=6 and g (−2 )=3 (−2)2 +2=3 ( 4 )+ 2=14
Thus, f (−1 )−g (−2 )=6+14
¿ 20.
e. f ( 3 ) ∙ g (5 )=(3+7)[3 ( 5 )2+2]
¿ ( 10 ) [ 75+2 ]
¿ ( 10 ) ( 77 )
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
¿ 770.
f (−2 ) −2+7
f. =
g (−2 ) 3 (−2 )2 +2
5
¿
3 ( 4 )+2
5
¿ .
14
f ( 3) 3+7
g. f ( 2 )+ =( 2+7 ) +
g ( 1) 2
3 (1 ) +2
10
¿ 9+
5
¿ 9+2
¿ 11∎ .
In this part of lesson we have tried to show the definitions and examples of
relations and function, in briefly discussing how to differentiate a function
from simply a relation. We also discuss the operation ons functions. We
are now ready to solve mathematical problems anytime in the suceeding
units.
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
Feedback/ Assessment
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
k. f ( 2 ) ∙ g (3)
f ( 2)
l.
g (−2)
f ( 3)
m. f ( 5 )+
g(1)
Summary
References
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
https://study.com/academy/practice/quiz-worksheet-quantifiers-in-math-
logic.html
https://www.varsitytutors.com/hotmath/hotmath_help/topics/operations-on-
functions
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Unit 2: Mathematical Language and Symbols
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