CHS200 Module3 Threaded Discussion Question

Mathematics of Language Have you ever noticed the patterns between language use, logic, and mathematics? The alphabet and numbers are sets of abstract symbols that we can talk about, and write. For example, we can write in a narrative statement the terms: 'equal', 'equivalent', 'less than'. And, we can use the equal sign in a mathematical statement, '='. In trying to train young students on the usefulness of math, and to make connections across a kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum, some educators promote the connections between natural language and mathematics to teach deeper understanding between language and numbers. Here is a great site that discusses this: Here you can see the rational justifying this approach is very similar to the justification for teaching critical thinking: http://mathforum(dot)org/~sarah/Discussion.Sessions/Cocking.html (1) they explain their work more carefully and exactly; (2) they become better at telling whether or not an informal argument is valid; and (3) they can make more precise mathematical models to use in problem solving. Or, a dated but relevant note on Language and Learning Math: http://www(dot)mathematicallycorrect(dot)com/allen4.htm What do you think about this connection between math and language? Do you think that students might like math more if it were related to language use more? Is mathematics inductive or deductive? What type of argument best describes math vs language? Why do you think so?