How to Write in Math.

  I have recently, as in this year, begun having students write a sentence for each step explaining what they are doing.  I work with ELL students so this is a first step.  Next, they need to add why they did something because people need to know both what was done and why. 

For the current test, I've already told them they will be able to earn half the points back but they will have to correct the mistake, explain why they made the mistake and what they have to look out for the next time.  I keep getting their complaint that Math is not English.  I'm sure there are other students out there who object for the same reasons.

Aside from being able to communicate ideas in an understandable way, writing good mathematical explanations helps improve your understanding of the material.  The physical writing of the information , requires careful thought and helps the individual learn and retain the information.

Writing mathematical ideas is more than just showing computations with the correct answer at the end.  You might be able to follow a process much like people do in a factory but you may not know why you are doing a particular step.  The explanations expand the process to include the ideas behind the calculations.

When writing in math, students should be encouraged to use correct grammar and complete sentences.  In addition, the writing should be divided into individual paragraphs rather than just one long paragraph.  Furthermore, equations should be separate so they stand out, even if you include information on that equation.  The best way is to give each equation its own line so it is easier to read.

In addition, it is important to define what each variable represents within an equation or formula as a way of providing context.  Context is important so the reader is aware of the situation.  In a linear equation, x may represent the slope or rate of change while in a quadratic it might represent time.  This would be the place you might make a note to yourself or reader of any restricted domains.

Furthermore, include pictures of diagrams to represent the visual element of the mathematics.  My students hate writing anything more than the basics and hate including diagrams because they see it as a waste of space.  I've been working with them on this but they find it hard to change the way they do it because they've done it this way for years.

Do you remember when they said to read your writing out loud so you can hear mistakes, awkward spots, and other issues for your English paper?  Well the same thing applies to mathematics.  When the material is read out loud including equations, to see if everything is written correctly.

Another thing to keep in mind is to use symbols and words properly.  An example of this is using the equal sign "=" when you mean next or implies.  If the symbol is used incorrectly, the writer is conveying improper information and changing the meaning of the text.

Again when showing the sequence of mathematical steps, place each step on its own line.  If you are explaining each step, it is best to write the explanation on one line, then the equation on the next, followed by the next explanation on another line, etc.  This makes it so much easier to read and understand. 

It is strongly recommended that people do not start sentences with a formula.  It is better to begin with a transitional word such as since, however, etc. It is also recommended when writing something mathematical the writer determine who the audience is because that will determine how it is written.  Even when writing for yourself, pretend you are writing for another student.  When writing for yourself, you might decide not to give as complete an explanation as you might.

Even when taking notes, these suggestions apply because notes are there to help us learn and refresh our memories.

Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.