Mathematical Terms and Definitions Explained

An abacus is a counting tool used for performing arithmetic calculations.

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on a number line.

An acute angle is an angle that measures less than 90 degrees.

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating those symbols to solve equations.

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or performing a task.

An angle is the union of two rays with a common endpoint, known as the vertex.

Area is the measure of the amount of space inside a two-dimensional shape.

An array is an ordered arrangement of objects, usually represented in rows and columns.

An attribute is a characteristic or property of an object or shape.

The average is the sum of all values in a set divided by the number of values in that set.

In mathematics, a base is the number that is raised to a power or the bottom side of a geometric shape.

A bar graph is a graphical representation of data using rectangular bars.

BEDMAS or PEMDAS is an acronym used to remember the order of operations in arithmetic: Brackets, Exponents, Division and Multiplication (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

A bell curve, also known as a normal distribution, is a graph that represents a symmetric probability distribution of a variable.

In algebra, a binomial is an algebraic expression with two unlike terms separated by an addition or subtraction operator.

A box and whisker plot is a graphical representation of statistical data that shows the median, quartiles, and outliers.

Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with rates of change and continuous motion.

Capacity is the maximum amount that something can contain or hold.

A centimeter is a unit of measurement equal to one hundredth of a meter.

Circumference is the distance around the edge or boundary of a circle.

A chord is a line segment whose endpoints lie on a circle.

In algebra, a coefficient is a number or symbol that multiplies a variable or an unknown quantity.

Common factors are numbers that divide evenly into two or more given numbers.

Complementary angles are two angles whose sum is equal to 90 degrees.

A composite number is a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one or itself.

A cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape with a circular base and a pointed top.

Conic sections are curves formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane.

In mathematics, a constant is a fixed value that does not change.

A coordinate is a set of numbers that locate a point on a plane.

In geometry, congruent means having the same shape and size.

Cosine is a trigonometric function that represents the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle.

A cylinder is a three-dimensional geometric shape with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface.

A decagon is a polygon with ten sides.

A decimal is a number that consists of a whole number part and a fractional part separated by a decimal point.

In a fraction, the denominator is the number below the line that represents the total number of equal parts in the whole.

A degree is a unit of measurement for angles, temperature, and geographic coordinates.

A diagonal is a line segment that joins two nonadjacent vertices of a polygon.

The diameter is a line segment that passes through the center of a circle and has endpoints on the circumference.

The difference is the result of subtracting one number from another.

A digit is a numerical symbol used to represent numbers.

In division, the dividend is the number that is being divided.

In division, the divisor is the number by which the dividend is divided.

An edge is a line segment where two faces of a polyhedron meet.

An ellipse is a closed curve that is shaped like an elongated circle.

An endpoint is a point at the extremity of a line segment or the starting point of a ray.

In geometry, equilateral means having all sides of equal length.

An equation is a mathematical statement that says two expressions are equal.

An even number is an integer that is divisible by 2.

In probability, an event is a set of outcomes of an experiment or situation.

To evaluate means to find the value or result of a mathematical expression or equation.

An exponent is a number that indicates how many times a base number is multiplied by itself.

Expressions are mathematical phrases or combinations of numbers, variables, and operators.

In geometry, a face is a flat surface that forms part of the boundary of a solid shape.

In multiplication, a factor is a number that is multiplied by another number to get a product.

Factoring is the process of breaking down a number or algebraic expression into its factors.

Factorial notation is a way to represent the product of all positive integers less than or equal to a given positive integer.

A factor tree is a diagram that shows the prime factors of a number.

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.

A figure is a geometric shape or form.

In mathematics, finite means having bounds or limits.

To flip means to reflect or mirror an object or shape across a line.

A formula is a mathematical rule or relationship expressed in symbols.

A fraction represents a part of a whole or a number that is not a whole number.

Frequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time or space.

A furlong is a unit of measurement equal to one-eighth of a mile.

Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, shapes, and spaces.

A graphing calculator is a handheld device capable of plotting graphs, performing calculations, and solving equations.

Graph theory is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of graphs, which consist of nodes or vertices connected by edges.

The greatest common factor is the largest positive integer that divides evenly into two or more numbers.

A hexagon is a polygon with six sides.

A histogram is a graphical representation of data that uses contiguous rectangles to represent the frequencies of a variable.

A hyperbola is a type of conic section that resembles two infinite intersecting curves.

The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle, which is opposite the right angle.

In mathematics, an identity is an equation that is true for all values of the variables.

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two values and indicates their relative size or relationship.

Integers are whole numbers, including both positive and negative numbers, as well as zero.

In mathematics, irrational means not expressible as a ratio of two integers and not exactly representable as a decimal.

In geometry, isosceles means having two sides of equal length.

A kilometer is a unit of measurement equal to one thousand meters.

A knot is a unit of measurement equal to one nautical mile per hour.

Like terms are terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers.

Like fractions are fractions that have the same denominator.

A line is a straight path that extends in both directions endlessly.

A line segment is a part of a line with two endpoints.

A linear equation is an equation that represents a straight line when plotted on a graph.

The line of symmetry is an imaginary line that divides a shape into two identical halves.

Logic is the study of reasoning and the rules and principles that govern valid inference and argumentation.

A logarithm is the exponent to which a specified base must be raised to obtain a given number.

The mean is the average of a set of numbers, calculated by summing all the values and dividing by the number of values.

The median is the middle value in a set of numbers when they are arranged in ascending or descending order.