How can language proficiency affect understanding of math concepts?

[mathdad]

The radius of a circle is r units. By how many units should the radius be increased so that the area increases by b square units?

I don't know where to begin.

A = πr^2

Does this question involve the area of a circle formula? If so, in what way?

 

[MarkFL]

Let's let $0<a$ be the number units the radius must be increased. And so the change in area we can write as:

$$\Delta A=\pi(r+a)^2-\pi r^2=b$$

Now solve for $a$. :D

 

[mathdad]

Let's let $0<a$ be the number units the radius must be increased. And so the change in area we can write as:

$$\Delta A=\pi(r+a)^2-\pi r^2=b$$

Now solve for $a$. :D

1. Where did (r + a) cone from?

2. What words in the application indicate that one area must be subtracted from another?

 

[MarkFL]

1. Where did (r + a) cone from?

That is the radius of the circle after it has been increased by $a$ units.

2. What words in the application indicate that one area must be subtracted from another?

If I tell you that my weight increased by 20 lbs., then you know my new weight minus my old weight is 20 lbs. Same kind of thing going on here. If the area of the circle is to increase by $b$ units squared, then the new area minus the old area must be $b$.

 

[mathdad]

To me, the question is worded a bit odd.

 

[HallsofIvy]

What is your native language?

 

[mathdad]

What is your native language?

My native language is Spanish. I was born in DR and immigrated with my parents to NYC in 1973. I was 8 years old. I have not been back to DR since 1973.

I have more dominance of the English language than I do my native language. This is not about English or Spanish or Chinese or whatever. Math has a unique way of confusing the smartest English major at any level. Math, just like any field, has its own language or jargon.