Math Glossary
All vocabulary has a website, example, or video attached to them for better understanding.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like me to add more academic vocabulary to this page
Please feel free to contact me if you would like me to add more academic vocabulary to this page
- Area Model - a model for math problems where the length and width are configured using multiplication
- Array - An arrangement of objects, pictures, or numbers in columns and rows
- Bar Model - Visual representation of a number using unit cubes, lines, or boxes. Approach to use when solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
- Base Ten Blocks - a math manipulative tool that students use to enhance number sense with ones (units), tens, hundreds, thousands place, etc.
- Coefficient - the number that is attached to the variable and is used to multiply the variable in an equation
- Comparison Statement - a statement in which two quantities or values are being compared. Typically, symbols are used in these statements (< "less than" , = "equal to" , or > "greater than" ) ---> Ex: 34,948 < 54,002
- Constant - the fixed number(s) that stands alone in an equation, they do not change
- Coordinate Grid/Plane - a two-dimensional number line where the vertical line is called the y-axis and the horizontal is called the x-axis. These lines are perpendicular and intersect at their zero points. This point is called the "origin"
- Denominator - is the bottom number in a fraction. Shows how many total equal parts the item is divided into
- Distributive Property - process in which you distribute the outside factor to all other numbers or variables in the parentheses --> Ex: A(B+C) = A x B + A x C
- Equivalent - similar or identical value ---> Ex: 1/2 = 3/6 or 13 + 15 = 10 + 18
- Expanded Form - a number written to show the value of each digit
- Exponent - the number of times a number is multiplied by itself
- Expression - numbers, symbols, and operations grouped together
- Fact Families - a set of four related multiplication and division facts or addition and subtraction facts that uses the same three numbers
- Function - an expression or rule that defines a relationship between one variable and another variable. A function will take in input and produce an output.
- Improper Fraction - a fraction which has a greater numerator than denominator
- Integer - whole numbers that are positive and negative
- Irrational Number - a real number that cannot be written into a fraction
- Mixed Number - a number that is made up of a whole number and a fraction
- Number Line - a line on which numbers (fractions, decimals) are marked at intervals
- Numerator - the top number in a fraction. Shows the numbers of parts we have
- Partial Product Method - a strategy used for multiplication to help show the value of each digit and make finding the answer easier. Once you find the product from each of the factors you add them together to get a final product
- Partial Quotient Method - a strategy used for division to help find part of the answer in each step. You find the product of the partial quotient and divisor and subtract it from the dividend. Finally, you add all the partial quotients together to find the final quotient (answer)
- Proportional Relationships - a relationships between two variables that will always be the same
- Pythagorean Theorem - deals with the lengths of the sides of a right triangle. We use the equation ( to find the missing lengths
- Quadrilateral - any four sided figure
- Ratio - compares values. For example, if a bowl of fruit contains eight oranges and six lemons, then the ratio of oranges to lemons is eight to six (that is, 8:6, which is equivalent to 4:3)
- Rational Number - a real number that can be written as a fraction
- Regrouping - the process of changing groups of ones into tens to make adding or subtracting easier
- Slope - is the steepness of a line (the rise over the run)
- Symmetry - when parts of an object are identical even when you flip, spin, or turn the object. If you draw an imaginary line (line of symmetry) through the object, you will see these identical parts on both sides. See link for rotational, reflection, translational symmetry
- Variable - is the unknown. Usually represented by a letter of the alphabet in an expression or equation
- Volume - the amount of space inside a 3D figure