Deciphering the Code

Mathematics has its own vocabulary. In addition to words, mathematics uses its own notation, symbols that stand for more complicated ideas. Some of these elements are familiar, such as numbers, letters, and the arithmetical operations signs like + and −. Some are less so, as in algebra, where mathematical notation also includes parentheses and brackets to show which operations are to be done in which order. Be on the lookout for new symbols in college math, including certain letters from the Greek alphabet. The notation may be “Greek to you,” but it speaks volumes to people who understand it. Mathematics is not the only discipline that uses its own notation. Music and dance do too. Just as a musician can read sheet music without having to translate the symbols into words, mathematicians read mathematical notation directly and without translation. Our goal in this chapter is to get you to understand the code once you get out of the habit of translating mathematical statements into words. First, let’s do an experiment. Try “talking” this mathematical equation: