Math Dictionary

 

Go to the Math Links page to find some interactive and interesting Math Dictionary pages. 

The following are math vocabulary words we are using daily.

  • area:  measurement of inside of a shape; we count the square units to make up the shape, or can mulitiple the dimensions
  • bar graph:  graph using bars to show data
  • congruent:  shapes with the exact same size and shape
  • denominator:  the bottom number in a fraction; it tells how many parts to equal one whole
  • digit:  numerals 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
  • difference:  answer when we subtract
  • estimate:  to find a number that is close to the exact number, usually uses rounding; educated guess
  • expanded form:   write a number showing its place value (ex. 20 + 3)
  • factor:  a number that is multiplied; numbers that you can count by to land on a multiple
  • foot: unit of measurement, 12 inches
  • hour: unit of measurement of time; 60 minutes
  • improper fraction:  when the numerator is larger than the denominator (you have more than one whole)
  • intersecting lines:  lines that cross; can be perpendicular but don't have to be
  • key:  used in pictographs (and maps) to inform you of what each symbol means
  • line plot:  a sketch showing the values of data along a horizontal axis and X's the frequency of those values (working graph)
  • minute:  unit of measurement of time; 60 seconds
  • mixed fraction:  when you have a whole number and a fraction ex. 2 1/2
  • multiple:  the number we land on when county by another number (20 is a multiple of 2, 4, 5, 10)
  • numerator: the top number in a fraction; it tells how many parts you have
  • ordinal numbers:  numbers used for ordering (ex. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 100th, etc)
  • parallel lines:  lines that are same distance apart at all times, they will never cross or intersect
  • perimeter:  measurement around a shape; we use hash marks to count the units around or add up the demensions of all sides.
  • perpendicular lines:  lines that cross or intersect to make right angles or 90 degree angles
  • pictograph:  graph using symbols or pictures to show data (symbol may = more than 1; therefore a key)
  • product:  the answer when you multiply
  • quotient:  the answer when you divide
  • range of data:  the lowest number and highest number in the data
  • right angle:  angle that is exactly 90 degrees; we use a square to measure it
  • rounding:  replacing a number with it's nearest tens, hundreds, thousands (23 rounds to 20, 26 rounds to 30, 25 rounds to 30 [5 or higher rounds up, less than 5 rounds down])
  • standard form:  the traditional way to write numbers using numerals (ex. 23)
  • sum:  the answer when you add
  • symmetry:  creating mirror images that are exactly alike
  • typical:  average or common
  • word form or name:  write a number using words (ex. twenty-three)
  • yard:  unit of measurement equalling 3 feet or 36 inches
  • <:  a symbol meaning Less than; we think of L turned on it's side makes this symbol and stands for Less than
  • >:  a symbol meaning Greater than