Signs and Symbols of Math and Language

Part of my research is dedicated to the signs and symbols of math and language and how they are similar. In language, letters and characters represent sounds, and they are linked together to form words, which represent meanings. In mathematics, the obvious symbols are numbers, as they are what comes most frequently to mind when we think of math. Decimals, division signs, addition signs, subtraction signs, and multiplication signs are all symbols used commonly used in mathematics; they represent concepts and processes. Mathematical symbols can change numbers entirely, for example, a pointedly placed decimal can alter a number completely (ex. 1234567 and 1.234567). In language, the obvious symbols are letters, which are like the direct cousins of numbers, but there are also punctuation signs, such as quotation marks ("), exclamation marks (!), commas (,), periods (.), and question marks (?). Punctuation can also change meanings: a statement can be changed into a query by adding a question mark at the end. Symbols are things that stand for something else - something that would make sense and would relate to the concept it was representing; representation, association, resemblance. Symbols can be complex or simple (hand-drawn or computerized).

History of Mathematics

I am currently researching the history of the mathematical system that is most commonly used around the world in modern times. I have found out that our math system has roots in ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and ancient Babylon. Ancient Greek and Indian math was translated into Arabic, then into Latin. Once this was translated into Latin, it spread over Western Europe, and then became the mathematics of the world after a few hundred years. The ancient Greeks were the first known people to work with pure math, and they introduced the concepts of logical deduction. They were highly interested in geometry, and used it to solve problems that algebra could be used for. They discovered irrational numbers in approximately 400 BC., and they were intent on proving that certain mathematical concepts were true. Researchers and mathematicians have predicted that there will be no end in sight for the discoveries of math, based on the progress that has been happening during the present, and also the past. The Greeks like music, because - along with architecture - it created beauty while following the strict rules that they preferred.

ACE References

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Ager, S. (1998-2010). “Gothic Alphabet.” Omniglot. Retrieved February 8, 2010, from the Internet:http://www.omniglot.com/writing/gothic.htm

Koller, J. (2003). “Roman Numerals.” Jurgen Koller. Retrieved March 24, 2010, from the Internet: http://www.mathematische-basteleien.de/romannumerals.htm#top

Merriam-Webster. (2010) “Symbol.” Merriam-Webster. Retrieved March 24, 2010, from the Internet: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbol

No Author, but notated as “Brian.” (2010). “What is the Difference Between a Number and a Numeral?” The Math Mojo Chronicles. Retrieved January 11, 2010, from the Internet:http://www.mathmojo.com/chronicles/2008/08/09/what-is-the-difference-between-a-number-and-a-numeral/

Viadero, D. (2010). “Early-Algebra Push Seen to be Flawed.” EBSCO Host. Retrieved March 24, 2010, from the Internet:http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=102&sid=750e2f69-7484-4460-9452-3cf8ec5d22d1%40sessionmgr110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aqh&AN=48242701

World Book Encyclopedia. “Algebra.” 2004 edition. (Volume A pg 350).

Your Dictionary.com. (2009). “Roman Numerals.” Love to Know. Retrieved March 24, 2010, from the Internet:http://www.yourdictionary.com/crossword/romanums.html