Math Is Fun Forum

Ricky

Moderator

Registered: 2005-12-04

Posts: 3,791

Speaking math

How do you specify a math equation involving parenthesis when speaking?  For example, how would say:

1.

2.

3.

Without using any symbols.  To start you off, it would be:

z is equal to x to the...

Now you finish the rest.

---

"In the real world, this would be a problem.  But in mathematics, we can just define a place where this problem doesn't exist.  So we'll go ahead and do that now..."

MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,711

Re: Speaking math

Very tricky .... I think it is the speed and emphasis you put on it.

1. z is equal to x to the power of y-plus-2onx
2. z is equal to x to the power of yplus2-on-x
3. z is equal to x to the y plus 2 on x

Certainly not a reliable way to communicate it. If you were forced to communicate it over the phone you would b saying stuff like:

1. z is equal to x to a certain power which is y on its own plus 2 on x... so you have ... (etc)

---

"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman

polylog

Member

Registered: 2006-09-28

Posts: 162

Re: Speaking math

For maximum reliability:

1. z is equal to x to the power of open bracket y plus open bracket 2 divided by x close bracket close bracket.

Actual attempt:

1. z is equal to x raised to the sum of twice the inverse of x and y.

2. z is equal to x raised to the quotient of y + 2 and x.

3. z is equal to twice the inverse of x, plus the yth power of x.

Ricky

Moderator

Registered: 2005-12-04

Posts: 3,791

Re: Speaking math

The key here is to use language which is natural.  I'm fairly certain that it just doesn't exist, which poses a problem for me.  I'll explain a bit more later, I can't give away too much yet and ruin the (possible) surprise.

---

"In the real world, this would be a problem.  But in mathematics, we can just define a place where this problem doesn't exist.  So we'll go ahead and do that now..."

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Speaking math

It's highly informal, but you could do something like:

"Divide 2 by x, add y to that, take x to the power of that result and you have z."

It's not the best way of putting it, but it doesn't leave too much room for mistakes.

---

Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.