How to read equations in English

Teacher Eva
15 Apr 202008:57
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script is an educational guide on how to read and interpret mathematical equations in English. It covers basic operations, symbols, and their verbal equivalents, such as plus, minus, multiply, divide, and various powers. The script also explains how to read fractions, decimals, and equations with brackets or parentheses. It provides examples of reading complex equations and emphasizes the clarity of using 'open bracket' and 'close bracket' when referring to parentheses to avoid ambiguity. The video aims to help viewers understand and solve equations by following these rules, offering a useful resource for those needing a refresher on the subject.

Takeaways
  • 📚 The lesson focuses on how to read mathematical equations in English, emphasizing the correct pronunciation of operations and symbols.
  • 🔢 The plus symbol is read as 'plus' or 'add' in English, with 'plus' being more common when reading an equation aloud.
  • ➖ The minus symbol is typically read as 'minus' or 'take away', with 'take away' possibly used more in worded questions.
  • ✖️ The multiplication symbol (x) is read as 'times' or 'x', with 'times' sometimes used for clarity in sentences.
  • 🔄 The dot (•) is used to represent multiplication when it's unclear whether a symbol or a variable is meant.
  • 📈 The division symbol (÷) is read as 'divide' or 'slash', with the fraction read as 'over' or 'divided by'.
  • 💪 Powers are read as 'squared' for exponent of 2, 'cubed' for exponent of 3, and 'to the power of n' for any other exponent.
  • 📌 Brackets are referred to as 'parentheses' in American English and 'brackets' in Australian English, with 'open bracket' and 'closed bracket' used to denote the start and end of an expression within them.
  • 🔢 Equations should be read with clarity, specifying 'open bracket' and 'closed bracket' to avoid ambiguity.
  • 🚀 The process of solving an equation involves applying mathematical rules, such as subtracting from both sides and distributing multiplication across terms within parentheses.
  • 📝 The lesson provides a method for remembering how to read equations in English, encouraging viewers to return to the presentation for a refresher when needed.
Q & A

  • What are the two common terms for the symbol used for addition in English?

    -The two common terms for the addition symbol are 'plus' and 'add'.

  • How is the subtraction symbol represented when reading an equation in English?

    -The subtraction symbol is represented as 'minus' or 'take away' when reading an equation in English.

  • What do you call the symbol 'x' in English when reading mathematical expressions?

    -The symbol 'x' is referred to as 'times' or simply 'x' when reading mathematical expressions in English.

  • How is the division symbol '/' pronounced in English?

    -The division symbol '/' is pronounced as 'over' or 'slash' in English.

  • How do you read a fraction like 'x squared over Y to the power of four'?

    -You would read 'x squared over Y to the power of four' as 'x squared divided by Y to the fourth power' or 'x squared over Y to the power of four'.

  • What are the different terms used for brackets in English according to the script?

    -In English, 'brackets' can be referred to as 'parentheses', with 'Americans' more likely to use 'parentheses' and 'Australians' using 'brackets'.

  • How do you read an equation with a power such as 'x to the power of n'?

    -An equation with a power such as 'x to the power of n' is read as 'x to the power of n', regardless of the specific number replacing 'n'.

  • Can you provide an example of how to read an equation with a power and division?

    -An example of reading such an equation would be 'X plus 7 over Y to the power of 2', pronounced as 'X plus 7 divided by Y squared'.

  • How do you read an equation with brackets in English?

    -In English, you would say 'open bracket' before the expression inside the brackets and 'closed bracket' after it, like 'open bracket XYZ close bracket' or 'the expression inside, all in brackets'.

  • What is the process for solving an equation like '11 plus x over X cubed'?

    -To solve the equation '11 plus x over X cubed', you would first subtract 11 from both sides, then expand the right side by multiplying the 2 through the expression inside the brackets, and finally solve for 'x' by multiplying and dividing appropriately.

  • Why is it important to specify 'open bracket' and 'closed bracket' when reading equations with parentheses?

    -Specifying 'open bracket' and 'closed bracket' helps to clarify where the parentheses start and stop, making the equation easier to understand and follow.

  • How can you enhance clarity when reading equations with parentheses?

    -Enhancing clarity when reading equations with parentheses involves explicitly stating 'open bracket' and 'closed bracket' or 'open parentheses' and 'closed parentheses' to clearly indicate the boundaries of the expression within the parentheses.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Understanding Mathematical Symbols and Reading Equations in English

This paragraph serves as an instructional guide on how to read equations in English, focusing on interpreting mathematical symbols and expressions. It begins with the basic arithmetic operations, explaining that '+' is read as 'plus' or 'add', and '-' as 'minus' or 'take away'. The multiplication symbol 'x' or a dot and the division symbols '/' or 'over' are also covered. The explanation extends to powers, where the term 'squared' is used for exponents of two, 'cubed' for three, and 'to the power of n' for any other exponent. The instructor gives examples of reading fractions and powers, such as 'x squared over y to the power of four'. Attention is then shifted to parentheses (or brackets), noting the differences in terminology between American (parentheses) and Australian (brackets) English. The usage of 'open' and 'closed' brackets is demonstrated, along with how to read expressions inside them, such as 'XYZ all in parenthesis'. The paragraph ends with an example problem to practice reading equations aloud.

05:02
🔢 Advanced Examples and Solving Equations Using English Terms

The second paragraph dives deeper into reading and solving mathematical expressions in English. It starts with simpler examples, like '2 to the power of y times x', and moves to more complex ones incorporating multiple rules, such as '11 plus x over x cubed plus 2x times (5 minus x)'. The narrator emphasizes clarity in verbalizing equations, preferring to specify 'open' and 'close' brackets to avoid ambiguity. The lesson progresses to applying these skills in solving an equation. It illustrates the steps involved in solving, such as subtracting 11 from both sides, expanding expressions, and isolating the variable x. The process demonstrates how mathematical operations are verbalized in English, like 'multiply both sides by -1' or 'divide both sides by 2'. The paragraph concludes with the narrator expressing hope that the lesson will be helpful and inviting viewers to revisit the video for reinforcement.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Equations
Equations are mathematical statements that assert the equality of two expressions. In the context of the video, equations are the central theme, with the focus on how to read and interpret them in English. The script provides examples of equations and explains the proper terminology for reading them aloud, such as 'plus' for addition and 'squared' for exponentiation.
💡Operations
Operations in mathematics refer to the various processes that can be performed on numbers, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In the video, the operations are essential for understanding and reading equations correctly. The script explains the English terms for these operations, like 'plus' for addition and 'minus' for subtraction.
💡Symbols
Symbols in mathematics are graphical representations used to denote operations, relationships, or specific numbers. The video script discusses various symbols such as '+' for addition, '-' for subtraction, 'x' for multiplication, and '/' for division. Understanding these symbols is crucial for reading and comprehending equations.
💡Fractions
Fractions represent a part of a whole and are expressed as a ratio of two numbers. In the video, fractions are a key component of equations, and the script explains how to read them in English, using the term 'over' or '/' to indicate the division of the numerator by the denominator.
💡Powers
Powers, or exponents, indicate how many times a base number is multiplied by itself. The video script explains the terminology used when reading powers in equations, such as 'squared' for an exponent of 2 and 'cubed' for an exponent of 3. The script also mentions reading powers of any number as 'to the power of n'.
💡Brackets/Parentheses
Brackets or parentheses are used in mathematics to group expressions and indicate the order of operations. The video script discusses the different terms used for these symbols, with 'brackets' being more common in some regions and 'parentheses' in others. The script emphasizes the importance of clearly indicating the start and end of these grouped expressions when reading equations aloud.
💡Reading Equations
Reading equations involves translating the mathematical symbols and expressions into spoken language. The video script provides a guide on how to properly articulate equations in English, ensuring that the order of operations and the relationships between numbers are clearly communicated.
💡Order of Operations
The order of operations is a set of rules that determines the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed. In the video, the script briefly touches on this concept when discussing how to read and solve equations, emphasizing the importance of performing operations within brackets or parentheses first.
💡Solving Equations
Solving equations involves finding the values of the unknowns that make the equation true. The video script provides an example of solving a simple equation by applying basic algebraic principles, such as subtracting the same value from both sides and distributing multiplication over addition.
💡Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are mathematical formulas that can contain numbers, variables (like x and y), and operation symbols. The video script focuses on algebraic expressions within the context of equations, explaining how to read and interpret them in English.
💡Terminology
Terminology refers to the specific language and terms used in a particular field or discipline. In the video, the script emphasizes the correct mathematical terminology for reading equations, such as using 'squared' for exponentiation and 'over' for division.
Highlights

Introduction to reading equations in English

Explanation of the plus symbol, read as 'plus' or 'add'

Reading the minus symbol as '-' or 'take away'

Use of 'add' and 'take away' in worded questions

Mention of the 'x' symbol and its variations

Explanation of the division symbol '/' and reading fractions

Description of powers, such as 'squared' for exponent of 2

Example of reading fractions and powers in equations

Discussion on the use of brackets and parentheses in English

Reading expressions inside brackets or parentheses

Examples of reading equations with brackets

Reading complex equations with powers and division

Solving equations using the rules learned

Subtraction and expansion of expressions

Final result and conclusion of the lesson

Encouragement to revisit the video for reminders

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Maths Symbols & Equations - English Vocabulary | Maths Vocabulary | Math or Maths | Basic Math

Algebra - How To Solve Equations Quickly!

How to Use Fractions in Chemistry

Increasing, Decreasing, Positive, Negative Function Intervals

Algebra Basics: Solving 2-Step Equations - Math Antics

MATH & GEOMETRY Vocabulary and Terminology in English

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Math EducationEquation ReadingAlgebra BasicsSymbol InterpretationEnglish LanguageMath TerminologyFractions and PowersBrackets UsageEquation SolvingTeaching Method