Math Vocabulary © Math As A Second Language All Rights Reserved

abacus: a frame on which beads are moved along rods to help count, add or subtract quickly without writing.

acre: a measure of land equal to 4,840 square yards, or 43,560 square feet, or a little less than a football field. 4,840 square yards

acute angle: an angle that measures less than 90 degrees.

acute triangle: a triangle that has three acute angles.

addend: a number added to another number in an addition problem. 26 26 + 10 = 36 10

angle: the space measured in degrees formed by two rays.

Arabic numerals: first numbers taught to the Europeans. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0

arc: a small part or section of a circle.

area: the amount or size of a surface usually measured in square units.

average: the answer found by dividing the sum of a group of numbers by the number of addends. 9 2 100 5 460 90 45 5 addends 95 1 93 10 82 460

axis: a line that shows the horizontal or vertical scale of a graph. y axis x axis

bar graph: a graph that uses bars to compare data.

base: the lowest part, the bottom, or foundation line of a figure.

billion: a thousand millions. 1,000,000,000

capacity: the amount a container can hold.

Celsius: the metric temperature scale on a thermometer where water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees. 100 C boiling 0 C freezing

centigram: a metric unit for measuring mass/ weight. cg 100cg = 1 gram

centiliter: a metric unit for measuring the amount a container can hold. cl 100cl = 1 liter

centimeter: a metric unit for measuring length. cm 100cm = 1 meter

chord: a straight line segment joining two points on a curve. Chord AB B

circle: an unbroken line drawn around a center point where each point on the line is the same distance from the center point.

circle graph: a circle divided into parts to compare data. Hockey 12.5% Football 25% Basketball 12.5% Baseball 50%

circumference: the distance around a circle.

closed figure: a shape or figure that starts and ends at the same point.

common denominator: a common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. 1 3 6 18 multiple of 3 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 15 18 5 6 multiple of 6 6, 12, 18 8 18 4 9 multiple of 9 9, 18

common factor: a number that divides two or more numbers with no remainder. greatest common factor 18 {1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18} 1 2 3 6 {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8,12, 24} 1 2 3 6 24

common multiple: a number (except 0) that is a multiple of two numbers. least common multiple {4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24} {6, 12, 18, 24, 30,}

composite numbers: whole numbers having factors other than one and itself. {1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18} 18 {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8,12, 24} 24

composite function: a function with two or more operations. x x 3 n +5 y x + 6 n x4 y

concrete models: a manipulative or physical representation. sphere circle symmetry

cone: a solid object that narrows evenly from a flat, round base at one end to a point at the other.

congruent: having the same size and shape.

consecutive: numbers or objects with a difference of one following one another in order without a break. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17…

conversions: exchange for an equivalent value. 96 meters = 9,600 centimeters 30 feet = 10 yards $10.00 = 100 dimes 4/6 = 2/3

cube: a solid object with six square faces or sides, all the same size.

cubic unit: a unit used to measure the volume of a solid object. 5 cubic units 1 cubic foot = 1 foot long, 1 foot wide, and 1 foot high.

cup: a unit for measuring capacity in the U.S. customary measure. 2 cups = 1 pint

cylinder: a hollow or solid object shaped like a can with a round top or bottom of the same size.

data: facts and numbers that provide information. 2,000,000 people 4,863 feet 25 inch circumference

day: the time it takes the earth to make one complete turn on its axis. 24 hours

decagon: a polygon or figure with 10 sides and 10 angles.

decimal: based on ten. a fraction with a denominator of ten or some power of ten, such as 100.

decimal point: the point or period placed in front of a multiple of ten. . 657

decimeter: a unit of length in the metric system. 1 dm = .1 meter or 10 centimeters

degree: a unit for measuring temperature and for measuring angles and curves of a circle, represented by the symbol. temperature 65 A = 89

denominator: a bottom number of a fraction that shows the total number of equal parts. 1 2 3 4 3/4

diagonal: a straight line that connects one corner to the opposite corner of a four sided figure.

difference: the number left after subtracting one number from another number. 10 -4 6 10 - 4 = 6

digit: a symbol used to represent the numbers 0 - 9. ten digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

dividend: the number being divided in a division problem. 15 7515

divisibility: the state of being divided. 36 ÷ 6 = 6

divisor: the number that the dividend is divided by in a division problem. 15 7515

edge: the line formed where two sides or faces of a solid meet.

endpoints: points at the opposite ends of a line segment.

equation: a number sentence in arithmetic that shows two amounts are equal. 25 x 10 = 250

equiangular triangle: a triangle with three equal angles that each measure 60 degrees.

equilateral triangle: a triangle with three sides of equal length and three 60 degree angles.

equivalent fractions: fractions that equal the same number. 2/5 = 4/10 5/8 = 10/16

estimate: a general but careful guess about the value, size, quantity, or cost of something.

even number: a number having no remainder when divided by two, ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. 6,581,250 353,196

expanded notation: a numeral written in expanded form using place values. 76, 582 = (7 x 10,000) + (6 x 1000) + (5 x 100) + (8 x 10) + (2 x 1)

exponent: a number that shows how many times a base number is used as a factor. 4 6 = 6 x 6 x 6 x 6 = 1296

expression: a group of numbers or symbols representing a quantity or operation.

face: the flat surface of a solid object.

factor: a number being multiplied to obtain an answer or product. 6 X 9 = 54

Fahrenheit: the temperature scale on a thermometer where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. 212 F boiling 32 F freezing

figure: an object that has shape, outline or form.

fluid ounce: a liquid unit for measuring capacity in the U. S fluid ounce: a liquid unit for measuring capacity in the U.S. Customary System. 8 fl oz = 1 cup

foot: a unit of length in the U.S. Customary System. 1 ft = 12 inches

fraction: one or more of the equal parts into which a whole number is divided. 1/2 3/5

function machine: a device which allows you to put numbers in and get numbers out according to an arithmetic rule. x 4 2 8

gallon: a unit for measuring liquids in the U.S. Customary System. 1 gal = 4 quarts

geometry: the part of mathematics that deals with and measures lines, angles planes, and solid figures.

grams: a metric unit for measuring weight or mass. g 1000g = 1 kilogram

graphs: 1. diagrams that show relationships between variables. Temperature Days of the Week

graphs: 2. the collection of all points whose coordinates satisfy a given function. x = y (5,5) (4,4) (3,3) (2,2) (1,1) (0,0)

greater than: a term used to compare numbers. 16 13

grid: a pattern of evenly spaced vertical and horizontal lines that form squares, used for locating points on a map or chart.

gross: a group of 12 dozen, or 144 items.

hexagon: a polygon or figure with six sides and six angles.

heptagon: a polygon or figure with seven sides and seven angles.

hundredth: one of 100 equal parts written as 1/100 or .01. .16 = 16 hundredths

inch: a unit of length in the U.S. Customary System.

input-output: an independent variable put in produces a dependent variable coming out. input x +9 y output input 5 +9 14 output input 7 +9 16 output

integers: all the positive and negative whole numbers including 0. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 … -1, -2, -3, -4, -5 …

interior angles: are the inside angles of a polygon whose sides intersect at the vertex.

intersection: where two lines meet or cross.

isosceles triangle: a triangle with two congruent sides and two congruent angles.

kilogram: a metric unit for measuring weight or mass. kg 1000g = 1 kg

kiloliter: a metric unit for measuring capacity. kl 1000 liters = 1 kl

kilometer: a metric unit for measuring length. km 1000 meters = 1 km

kite: a four-sided figure with two pairs of adjacent sides equal.

less than: a term used to compare numbers. 16 19

line: a path along a set of points that extends in both directions indefinitely.

line graph: a graph that uses a line to show changes over a period of time.

line plot: a line used to plot or place numbers. X X X X X X -2 -1 1 2

line segment: part of a line with two endpoints.

1000 milliliters = 1 l or a little less than a quart liter: a metric unit for measuring capacity. l 1000 milliliters = 1 l or a little less than a quart

mean: the answer found by dividing the sum of a group of numbers by the number of addends. Average. 9 2 100 5 460 90 45 5 addends 95 1 93 10 82 460

median: the middle number in a set of numbers after they have been arranged highest to lowest. 65, 60, 58, 55, 50 58

meter: a metric unit for measuring length. m 100 centimeters = 1m or 39.37 inches

metric system: a system of weights and measures based on tens, hundreds, and thousands. grams liters meters

mile: a unit of length in the U.S. Customary System. 1 mile = 5,280 ft

milligram: a metric unit for measuring weight or mass. mg 1000 mg = 1 gram

milliliter: a metric unit for measuring capacity. ml 1000 ml = 1 liter

millimeter: a metric unit for measuring weight or mass. mm 1000 mm = 1 meter

minuend: a number from which another number is subtracted. 6, 8 9 0, 8 7 5 - 3, 2 3 6, 7 9 8 3, 6 5 4, 0 7 7

mixed number: a number that contains a whole number and a fraction. 5 1/2

multiple: the product of a given number and any whole number. multiple of two 2, 4, 6, 8, 10…

multiplication: the process of repeated addition. 3 x 5 = 15 5 + 5 + 5 = 15

negative integer: an amount or number less than zero written with the symbol (-). -14 -45 -28

nonagon: a polygon or figure with 9 sides and 9 angles.

numerator: the number above the line in a fraction that shows the number of parts chosen. 8 9

obtuse angle: an angle that measures more than 90 degrees and less than 180.

obtuse triangle: a triangle with one obtuse angle.

octagon: a polygon or figure with 8 sides and 8 angles.

odd number: a number having a remainder when divided by two, ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. 6,581,257 353,193

open figure: a shape or figure whose outside lines do not come together and close the figure or shape.

ordered pair: a pair of numbers that show a location on a grid. 3,2

order of operations: rules to follow: 1 order of operations: rules to follow: 1. Do what is in parenthesis first. 2. Do exponents next. 3. Multiply and divide from left to right. 4. Add and subtract from left to right. 2 (2 + 4) x 4 ÷ 2 + 6 - 5 = b 2 (6) x 4 ÷ 2 + 6 - 5 = b (36) x 4 ÷ 2 + 6 - 5 = b 144 ÷ 2 + 6 - 5 = b 78 - 5 = b 72 + 6 - 5 = b b = 73

ounce: a unit of measuring weight in the U.S. Customary System. 16 oz = 1 pound

parallel lines: lines that are always the same distance apart and never intersect.

parallelogram: a four sided figure with opposite sides parallel and of equal length.

pentagon: a polygon or figure with five sides and five angles.

percent: a quantity measured by the number of units compared with 100 represented by the symbol %. 96 100 = .96 = 96%

perimeter: the distance around a polygon or figure.

pentagon: a polygon or figure with five sides and five angles.

perpendicular lines: two lines that intersect and form right angles.

pi: the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of any circle. 3.14

pint: a unit of measuring liquids in the U.S. Customary System. 1 pt = 2 cups

plane: a flat level surface extending in all directions.

place value: a value assigned to a position in a number. 1,000,000 100,000 10,000 1,000 100 10 1 5,327,689

point: an exact location in space usually labeled with a letter.

polygon: a closed, flat shape or figure formed by line segments.

positive integer: an amount or number greater than zero. +14 +45 +28

pound: a unit of measuring weight in the U.S. Customary System. 1 lb = 16 oz

prediction: a guess about a future event based on mathematical or scientific facts. Solar Eclipse

prime numbers: numbers that only have itself and one as factors (starting with 2). 2 = 2 x 1 3 = 3 x 1 5 = 5 x 1 {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17…}

prime factorization: a process used to find all prime factors of a number. 24 6 x 4 Prime Factors 2 x 3 x 2 x 2

prism: a solid object with two ends that are equal and parallel and sides that are parallel.

probability: a mathematical basis for prediction probability: a mathematical basis for prediction. How often an event happens. How often can you flip a coin and get heads? One out of two chances, 1/2 , .50, or 50%.

product: the answer in a multiplication problem. 6 X 9 = 54

properties / attributes: a quality or trait belonging to a specific thing. Four equal sides Four right angles (90º) Opposite sides parallel Sum of interior angles equals 360º.

proportion: 1. The relation of one part to another or to a whole. 2. A relation of equality of two ratios. 3 4 9 12 =

protractor: a tool shaped like half of a circle marked off in degrees used to draw measured angles.

pyramid: a solid figure or object with a flat base and three or more sloping sides that are triangles that come together in a point at the top.

quadrilateral: a polygon or object with four sides and four angles.

quart: a unit for measuring capacity in the U.S. customary system. 1 qt =2 pints or ¼ gallon.

quotient: the answer in a division problem. 503 15 7515

radius: a straight line from the center to a point on the outside of a circle or sphere.

range: the difference between the greatest and the least numbers of a given set or group. 98, 87, 85, 76, 65, 60 98 highest number - 60 lowest number 38 range

rate: an amount, pace or degree of something expressed in specific units. A jet flew at a rate of 200 miles per hour. rate = distance time

ratio: the relationship or comparison between the number or quantity of two different things. If there are 9 apples and 3 oranges, the ratio of apples to oranges is 3 to 1. 9 : 3 3 : 1 or

ray: part of a line with only one endpoint and the other end going on indefinitely in one direction.

rectangle: a flat figure with four sides and four right angles but does not form a square.

reflection: a change in the location of a figure in which it is flipped over a line or point.

regular polygon: a figure or object in which all sides and all angles are equal.

remainder: 1. The amount left after a division problem is complete. 15 7517

remainder: 2. The amount left over after one number is subtracted from another. 4 is the remainder.

rhombus: a flat figure with all sides equal, but usually no 90 degree angles.

right angle: an angle that measures 90 degrees and is formed by two perpendicular lines.

right triangle: a triangle that has one 90 degree or right angle.

Roman numeral: letters in the Roman alphabet that are used as numbers. V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000. MCCLXVI = 1266

rotations (turns): the act of turning about an axis or center.

30 can be a rounded number for 25 through 34. round: changing a number to the nearest ten, hundred, thousand and so on, to make it easier to use. 30 can be a rounded number for 25 through 34.

scale: 1. Series of regularly spaced marks along a line. 2 3 4 5 6 ruler

scale: 2. The size of a picture, plan or model in proportion to the actual size of the thing itself. scaled size 1:28

scale: 3. A tool or device used to weigh something.

scalene triangle: a triangle with no two sides having the same length.

scientific notation: a numeral written in expanded form using exponents. (6 x 10 ) + (5 x 10 ) + (8 x 10 ) + (2 x 10 ) 4 3 2 1

sequence: a set of things whose order is determined a pattern or rule. The days of the week are in a sequence. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Numbers can be in a sequence. one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten

set: a group or collection of numbers or objects. 2, 4, 6, and 8 are a set of even numbers. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13 are a set of prime numbers.

side: one of the lines or surfaces that form a figure or object, usually not the top or bottom.

simplify: to make simple or reduce to basic essentials. 8 16 1 2 = 10x + 20 = 10(x + 2)

solid: anything that has length, width, and height solid: anything that has length, width, and height. A cube or sphere is a solid.

speed: is the rate of motion; distance over time. 100mph 40mph

sphere: a solid round figure or object with a surface the same distance from its center at all points. A ball, a globe, or the moon are examples of a sphere.

square: a polygon with four equal sides and four right angles.

square root: a number obtained by dividing a number into two equal factors. The square root of 9 is 3. (3 x 3 = 9) The square root of 25 is 5. (5 x 5 = 9)

stem-and-leaf plots:a technique for ordering data in increasing or decreasing order. 25, 28, 32, 36, 39, 41, 45 Stem Leaf 2 3 4 5 8 2 6 9 1 5

straight angle: an angle that measures 180 degrees or a straight line.

subtrahend: a number that is subtracted from another number. 6, 8 9 0, 8 7 5 - 3, 2 3 6, 7 9 8 3, 6 5 4, 0 7 7

sum: the answer in an addition problem. 4,365 3,786 9,456 + 17,607 sum

surface area: the sum of the area of plane surfaces that make up a three dimensional figure. 6(l x w)= surface area

symmetry: a figure or object that has matching parts on both sides of its center line.

table: a systematic arrangement of data usually in rows or columns for easy reference. Team Wins Losses Red Sox 60 20 Yankees 40 Tigers 30 50 Orioles A’s 10 70

tenth: one of 10 equal parts. In the decimal 0.26, the 2 is in the tenths place.

tessellations: a careful positioning of elements into a coherent pattern.

thousandth: one of 1000 equal parts. In the decimal 0.264, the 4 is in the thousandths’ place.

three dimensional: an object having length, width, and height.

ton: a unit for measuring weight or mass in the U.S. Customary System. 1 ton = 2,000 pounds.

transformation: a change made to the size or position of a figure.

translations (slides): a change in the location of a figure in which it is slid up or down, left or right without being turned.

trapezoid: a polygon with four sides. Two of the sides are parallel.

triangle: a polygon with three sides and three angles.

two dimensional: a flat surface with a length and width.

values: numerical quantities assigned or computed. 0 has no value. The value of 206 + 404 is 610.

variable: a letter or symbol that holds a place for a number. X + 20 = 65 Y + 35 = 65 X + Y = 75

vertex: the endpoint of two lines or the point where three or more edges of a solid figure meet.

volume: the amount of space inside something that has length, width, and height, measured in cubic units. 3 in. x 3 in. 3 in. 3 inches 27 cubic inches 3 inches 3 inches

whole number: a number that is not a fraction. 75 135 3,678 75 ½ 5 ½ 79.8

Yard (yd.): a unit of length in the U.S. Customary System. 1 yd. = 3 feet or 36 inches

Year (yr.): the time it takes the Earth to revolve around the sun one time, about 365 days.

Zero: 1. The number or symbol 0 that means having no quantity. 2. A point marked 0, from which something is measured.