Definition
Mathematical notation
Mathematical notation is an agreed system of symbols and layout used to represent mathematical ideas.
Continue from this idea into connected AXIO math.
Defining relationship
Symbols plus arrangement make the mathematical message.
Mathematical notation is an agreed system of symbols, marks, and spatial arrangements used to represent numbers, operations, relationships, quantities, coordinates, and other mathematical structures.
- 1number
- 2relation symbol
- 3number
Symbols and their arrangement communicate a mathematical relationship.
Changing the order changes the statement.
What it means
Notation is mathematical writing. A symbol has a job, and its position beside, above, below, or between other symbols can change the message. Read the symbols and their arrangement together, not one mark in isolation.
Remember it
Symbols plus arrangement make the mathematical message.
Example
The words “five is less than nine” can be written as 5 < 9. The numerals show the two numbers, and the < sign between them shows their relationship.
Watch for
A symbol by itself may not give enough meaning. For example, a minus sign can show subtraction or mark a negative number, depending on its place in the notation.
Common mix-up
Notation is the symbolic writing system. Mathematical language is broader and also includes the words and phrases used to explain ideas and reasoning.
Exact meaning
Mathematical notation is an agreed system of symbols, marks, and spatial arrangements used to represent numbers, operations, relationships, quantities, coordinates, and other mathematical structures.