Understanding the Mathematical Language

 The Language of Mathematics

Math is like any other language, you must first know the vocabulary to understand it. 

To understand mathematics, you’d have to be able to:

• Use simpler concepts and facts to describe mathematical concepts and facts.
• When something new (within or outside of mathematics) is related to the mathematics you are familiar with, you should be able to see the relationship.
• Find the underlying mathematical ideas in the example to see how they operate.

Methods for learning the language of mathematics

• Converting words into symbols - Students must identify important language components (such as words or sentences) that can be converted into mathematical symbols to work toward a solution to a problem. 
  

• The language used in math versus everyday language - Students transition from utilizing less precise or informal language to more precise and formal language when studying mathematics. Although students need to understand that the word "sum" strictly indicates addition, it may be used colloquially to refer to a calculation. Students may become confused by this element of mathematical language since it can be difficult to distinguish between terms used in the classroom and those used outside of school. 

• Reading and Understanding Written Mathematical Problems - The ability to read and comprehend the symbols used in mathematical operations must be developed in students. This aids pupils in understanding mathematical statements (expressions, equations), both algebraic and quantitative.

Do you believe that lessons and textbooks are incomprehensible?

To successfully solve challenging complex math problems, it is crucial to understand that such problems are never solved on the first try. Instead, you should create a series of related problems and figure out how to tackle each one before moving on to the main issue. To solve the following problem, experience is gained at each stage

References

(2022). Wisc.edu. https://merit-www.education.wisc.edu/eop-dev/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/12/Math-Support-for-English-Learners-Blog-Header-1200x800.jpg

(2022). Cloudfront.net. https://d1oqwsnd25kjn6.cloudfront.net/production/files/144732/large_16x9/TranslatingWordsIntoSymbol_Level1__01_Addition.Still001.jpg?1430863892

This. (2008). https://us.corwin.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/23570_02_Haylock(Understanding)_Ch_01.pdf

Krick-Morales, B. (2013, April 24). Reading and Understanding Written Math Problems. Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-and-understanding-written-math-problems

(2022). Teacherspayteachers.com. https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Math-in-English-Poster-or-Handout-How-to-Say-A-Basic-Math-Equation-Vocabulary-8010182-1650641475/original-8010182-1.jpg

‌

‌