Algebraic language is a set of symbols used for the homogenization and generalization of arithmetic calculations.
Language is a notion that comes from the Occitan language . This is the name given to the ability of expression and communication that people have through the articulation of sounds or another type of sign system.
Algebraic , meanwhile, is that linked to algebra . This term refers to the branch of mathematics that is oriented towards the analysis of abstract structures that enable the generalization of arithmetic operations through signs, letters and numbers.
Algebraic language is called, in this way, the set of symbols that allow generalizing, homogenizing and formulating arithmetic calculations . Thanks to the use of this system, the translation of colloquial language expressions into algebraic statements can be developed, which in turn contribute to the resolution of everyday problems.
Main characteristics of the algebraic language
In algebraic language, all the letters that are part of the Roman or Latin alphabet are used. As a general rule, the first letters are used as constants, while the last three ( X / Y / Z ) are used as variables or unknowns that depend on the expression or function.
One of the pillars of the algebraic language is that any number can be expressed with any letter of the Roman alphabet. Starting from this base , and appealing to different signs, arithmetic operations are expressed.
The pillars of algebraic language are taught in schools.
Addition and subtraction
Let's take the case of addition. If we want to refer to two plus four ( 2 + 4 ), for example , with algebraic language we can indicate a + b , where a is 2 and b is 4 .
a + b = 2 + 4
The same goes for subtraction . To calculate five minus three ( 5 – 3 ), it is possible to point c – d , considering that c is 5 and d is 3 .
c – d = 5 – 3
Combining both examples, if 5 – 3 = 2 , it is possible to affirm that c – d = a . Of course, the validity of this statement is given by the equivalences already mentioned: if in another context the letters are associated with other numbers, the situation changes.
Multiplication and division with algebraic language
When trying to bring multiplication to algebraic language, spaces are usually eliminated. Thus, to multiply four by five, write bc , preserving what was expressed in the previous examples. You can also use the period ( . )
bc = 2 x 5
b. c = 2 x 5
To divide, the slash ( / ) is used. Four divided by two, in this framework, you can write b/a with the algebraic language.
b/a = 4/2
Its usefulness
Although it can be difficult to express yourself with symbols, algebraic language is very useful and even helps to understand various issues. It can be said that this language is used to convert particular expressions to numbers and letters .
With algebraic language, unknown quantities can also be manipulated using symbols that are written in a simple way. In this way, the formulation and resolution of equations and the postulation of theorems are simplified.
Born in the times of the Muslim mathematician Al-Juarismi between the 8th and 19th centuries, algebraic language is today learned in school . Already in primary education, children begin to acquire their basic notions.