Friday, 8 January 2010

Proper Way Of Writing Maths Expression

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Maths expression tells certain message. When it is not written properly, or written in such a way that it causes wrong interpretation, then you will expect marks to be deducted.

Examples:

1)     y = cos (A + B)
2)    g = x + log K
3)    y / x + 2

Let's look at the above examples one by one.

Example 1:
If the brackets are taken out, y = cos A + B.
Does it also mean B + cos A?

Example 2:
If the sequence is swapped, y = log K + x
Does it mean y = log (K + x)?

Example 3:
Is the denominator just x or (x + 2)?
Or is the correct expression 2 + (y /x) ?

From the above 3 maths expressions, you will observe and sense that something will go wrong when you did not write "properly".

This need practice and does need some "maths" sense to go along with the practice.
You need to know the different form of expression and its implications.

Questions like:
- one term or two terms in the desired expression?
- which is the actual denominator?
- will anyone mis-interpret the logging of term?
- If the words or symbols are too small, will they be able to see clearly?

To save time and marks, write with the reader or marker at heart.
Write as though they are reading them.
Think and write like they will be.

Maths is afterall, a language that has to be shared and used to solve certain objectives.
Do write clearly and appropriately.

The practice and skill mastered will do you and everyone one good.
Strive to make less unnecessary mistakes and reduce the chance of your marks being subtracted off through improper writing.

Cheers!   ^.^

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