Joy, there is one thing we need to remember about mathematics is that it is a reasoning process that is used with numbers and letters. Every language on earth responds to this shorthand. In English we say “Roses are red. Violets are blue. Sugar is sweet. And so are you.

In math we substitute numbers and later letters, but we are writing sentences that tell a story. We must be able to Add, Subtract, Multiply,and Divide.

This is a reasoning process based on our use of sentences to talk to each other. When we say “Roses are Red.” We have written a complete sentence with a subject, a verb, and a predicate. This is true in mathematics.  When we are using symbols such as 9 X 8 = 72, we are doing the same thing. Please note that 9 X 8 is the subject, the equal sign (=) is the verb, and 72 is the predicate. Since math uses a lot of shorthand, we say 3x = 18 and we have written a complete sentence. In all mathematics, we drop the period because it is part of the shorthand process. For example, if I say, “Roses are red.” (note the period)

In English, I have written a complete sentence. If I say, “3x = 18” (note that there is no period). In algebra when we add letters to arithmetic and all the arithmetic processes are still needed to solve any equation. An equation is just a sentence. For example; If we write the equation,”3x = 18, the next sentence to follow is, x = 6, and no period is needed.

Roses are Red. (Sentences WITH periods)    3x + 6 = 18 (Sentences WITHOUT periods)

Violets are blue.                                                   3x = 12

Sugar is sweet.                                                       x = 4

And so are you.

Writing English                                                      Writing Mathematics

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WE MUST MEMORIZE ENGLISH.               WE MUST KNOWTHE FUNDAMENTALS.

Both are sentences, a period is needed when we write our sentences in our native language. Since we speak English we use the rules of English.  Since math is shorthand we do not use a period at the end of our sentences unless we express it in English.

Some of the math verbs are: =, <, > and every sentence depends on the previous sentence. This is one reason that math is so much fun, but the fundamentals must be mastered.

Much Love,

Dad