Math terms sound like a foreign — even, worse, weird — language to many learners, particularly those with English as their second language. But using a term in the proper context is the building block of comprehension, so knowing its meaning is fundamental, and the same applies in mathematics. This guide will expose us to principles, mathematical words, and basic concepts, enabling students to understand mathematical ideas more easily.

 

Math terminology refers to all the words frequently used in mathematics to solve different problems and theories. It is generally recommended that students understand these math vocabulary words so that they can efficiently study mathematics. For instance, when working on eigth grade math worksheets, a learner needs to understand math vocabulary to solve the problems correctly.

 

Understanding this is the purpose of this article, which aims to explain commonly used math terms and their definitions. It will be helpful for English learners and people who need to extend their vocabulary of math terms and definitions. So, by reading this mathematical words list, you will be well equipped if any word riddle from mathematics is thrown at you.

 

Common Math Terms

Addition

Addition combines two or more numbers to get the total or the sum. For instance, in the expression 3 + 2 = 5, the added number is 5, a result of addition.

Subtraction

This is the mathematical operation that determines the extent to which one number contrasts with (or is different from) another. For instance, given the expression 5 - 2 = 3, the difference between 5 and 2 is 3, and therefore, subtracting 2 from 5 will give you 3.

Multiplication

Multiplication is the method by which counting independent units determines the total quantity in a given number of sets. Many people refer to multiplication as duplicate addition because multiplying a number X with another number Y simply means adding X to itself a Y number of times.

Division

The splitting or distributing of a number into different parts is referred to as Division. For instance, when you say that 12 is divided by 4 to give 3, you mean that 12 distributes into 4, giving the quotient 3.

Geometry Terms

Triangle

A three-sided polygon, triangles can be categorized according to the equal lengths and measures of their sides and angles, including equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles.

Circle

A circle is a round plane shape with an outermost portion, which is also called the circumference. This circumference is made of points that are all equidistant from a fixed center.

Square

A figure with four sides, each side of equal measure, and each internal angle measured at 90⁰. 

Rectangle

This is a shape with four sides of any length. All four angles are right angles, and the opposite sides are equal. The area is then found by multiplying the length by the width.

Parallelogram

A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles, four sides altogether, and opposite sides parallel and of equal length. Similar to the previous property, the quantity of the angles can vary, but the match angles are equal.

Rhombus

A geometrical figure may be a planar figure with four sides and four angles, all equal in measure. These two angles are equal to each other, while those two that adjoin each other are also equal to each other, but their sum is 180 degrees.

Trapezoid

This geometric figure comprises four enclosed sides with one set of sides parallel in nature. In calculating the area, the length of an arbitrary triangle is equal to the sum of half of the two parallel sides and the triangle's height divided by 2.

 

 

Mathematical Terms for Measurements

Perimeter

The perimeter of a given shape or the total length around it. To obtain a rectangle's perimeter, you sum all side measurements.

Area

This measuring usually means the volume of space found within a particular shape. 

Circumference

The length, precisely the perimeter, is formed by the circumference of a circle. 

Volume

It means the carrying capacity of a given solid figure or an articulate figure of three dimensions. 

Surface Area

This is the sum of the overall expanse or area of the surface of an object with three dimensions. 

Diameter

It refers to the measure of space that extends from one point of the circle through the center of the circle to another point on the circumference. 

Radius

This refers to a straight line connecting the center of a circle and any randomly chosen point at the edge of the circle.

Diagonal

The space is measured along a straight line passing through, joining two diagonally opposite corner points of a polygon, usually a rectangle or square. 

Angle

Angles are the amount of rotation of one line upon another or the turn of one surface with reference to another at the meeting point. The measure of an angle can be either in degrees or radians, denoted by the symbols ° and rad, respectively. 

Definitions for Algebra

Variable

A figure that features one or many numerals and often functions as a symbol in the shape of a letter. 

Expression

An expression is a mathematical combination that can be formed using numbers, mathematical variables, and operators such as +, -, x, and ÷ to symbolize a particular relation in math. 

 

Equations and Inequalities

Equation

The operation connects two mathematical expressions and indicates their equal value using the equals sign (=). 

Inequality

An assertion that one sign is either greater or smaller than the other one and is expressed in the form of signs, for instance, > (Greater than) or < (Less than). 

Properties

Commutative Property

It does not matter where the + or the x comes first when operating. 

Associative Property

The arrangement of the figures in a numeral addend or factor in addition or multiplication does not affect the final sum. 

 

 

Fractions and Decimals 

Fraction

A technique of showing a portion of a whole through the use of a dimension referred to as the numerator on the top and the other a dimension called the denominator at the base. So, 1/2 describes a relative quantity of one part of the Division of two equal parts.

Decimal

It is a way through which fractions are written in powers of ten forms. For example, 0.5 represents one-half.

 

Conclusion

Being familiar with the proper vocabulary and math terminology is crucial to learning math and can determine the speed of progress of English learners. If you clearly understand and use all the math vocabulary words outlined in this guide, you are in a better position to improve or build a sound base for your math knowledge. 

 

Remember to practice regularly, use visual aids, take advantage of math resources, and practice what you have learned. When done according to the above recommendations, students will be in a good position to master both math and English.