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The Open University

Language, notation and formulas

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

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Communication is as vital in mathematics as in any language. This free course, Language, notation and formulas, will help you to express yourself clearly when writing and speaking about mathematics. You will also learn how to answer questions in the manner that is expected by the examiner.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Communicating mathematics
  • 1 Communicating mathematics
  • 1.1 Writing mathematics
  • 1.2 Talking and writing mathematics
  • 2 Reading mathematics
  • 2 Reading mathematics
  • 2.1 Layout
  • 2.1.1 Try some yourself
  • 2.2 Using the equals sign
  • 2.2.1 Try some yourself
  • 2.3 Link words
  • 2.3.1 Try some yourself
  • 2.4 Labelling lines
  • 2.4.1 Try some yourself
  • 2.5 Vocabulary
  • 2.5.1 Try some yourself
  • 2.6 Making sense of symbols
  • 2.6.1 Arithmetical symbols
  • 2.6.2 Try some yourself
  • 2.7 Powers and roots
  • 2.7.1 Try some yourself
  • 2.8 Relationship symbols
  • 2.8.1 Try some yourself
  • 3 Formulas
  • 3 Formulas
  • 3.1 Word formulas
  • 3.1.1 Try some yourself
  • 3.2 Using formulas
  • 3.2.1 Try some yourself
  • 3.3 Units and formulas
  • 3.3.1 Try some yourself
  • 3.4 Converting units by using a formula
  • 3.4.1 Try some yourself
  • 4 The format of questions
  • 4 The format of questions
  • 4.1 Understanding the question
  • 4.1.1 ‘Write down’ question
  • 4.2 A better solution
  • 4.3 ‘Find’ questions
  • 4.4 ‘Show that ’ questions
  • 4.5 Questions and answers
  • 5 Approaches to problem solving
  • 5 Approaches to problem solving
  • 6 Writing out solutions
  • 6 Writing out solutions
  • 6.1 How a question is marked
  • A billions problem
  • 6.1.2 Look at another solution
  • 6.2 Another ‘billions’ solution
  • 6.3 Solving the riddle of St Ives
  • 6.4 Mark another St Ives' question
  • 6.5 Solutions to ‘making a lawn’
  • 6.5.1 Another ‘making a lawn’ solution
  • 7 OpenMark quiz
  • 7 OpenMark quiz
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

4.3 rating at OpenLearn based on 3 ratings

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