Math Vocabulary

Algebraic Logic - Using order of operations to solve a problem.  (Doing parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction).

Area - The number of square units needed to cover the inside of a figure.  Ex.: carpeting a room.

Arithmetic Logic - Solving a problem by working from left to right, without regard for order of operation.  Ex.: 3+2x5=25

Average - A general term for finding the central tendency.

Common Polygon - A closed figure that has three or more sides.

Compatible Numbers - Using numbers that are easily multiplied or divided to get an estimate. 

Dichotomous Key - A classification key that usually has two choices or divisions at each step.  Dichotomous keys are based on an “either-or” classification system --either something has a certain characteristic, or it doesn’t.

Distributive Property - A redistribution of the numbers while still keeping the equation equal.    Ex.:  8 x 23 = (8 x 20) + (8 x 3)

Estimation - To roughly determine a size or value; to calculate approximately, using rounding or front-end estimation.

Front-End Estimation - Using the front digits to estimate.  Ex.:  30 x 429 = 30 x 400 =12,000

Mean - The sum of collected data divided by the number of data.  Ex.:  70 + 80 + 90 + 85 + 75 = 400.  400 divided by 5 = 80.

Mode - The number or numbers that occur most often in a collection of data.    Ex.:  70, 80, 85, 90, 85, 95   Mode = 85

n th term - Given a sequence, this is an expression for a term in a given position, where n  represents that position.

Perimeter - The distance around the outside of a figure.  Ex.:  The walls or molding of a room.

Probability - The likelihood that an event will occur.

Proportion - A statement that two ratios are equal.

Ratio - A comparison of two quantities.  A pair of numbers that expresses a rate or a comparison. 

Ex.:  2 to 4, 2:4, 2/4, or 2 out of 4.

Reflection - The mirror image of a figure about a line of symmetry on a plane.  A change in location of a figure by flipping it over a line, creating a mirror image of the figure. 

Regular Figure - A figure with all sides having the same length.  A polygon with all sides congruent and all angles congruent.

Rotation - A change in location of a figure by moving it around a given point.  A turning motion about a point.  Ex.:  a pinwheel, a merry-go-round

Rounding - Expressing numbers to the nearest named place value.

Stretching - The image of a figure having a size change.

Translation -  Also known as a slide.  The figure is moved in a straight path.  A change in location of a figure by moving it right, left, up, or down without turning it.

Volume - The number of cubic units needed to fill a three-dimensional figure.  Ex.:  volume of a cube or a pitcher of water.    

© Ellen Gabor, 1998