Math glossary

N

• Numerator The top number of a fraction: how many equal parts we take.
• Negative number A number less than zero.

D

• Denominator The bottom number of a fraction: how many equal parts the whole is split into.
• Derivative The slope of a curve at a point; a measure of change.
• Decimal A number with a decimal point, like 2.5.
• Dot product Multiplying two vectors to get a single number.

F

• Fraction A way to describe equal parts of a whole, written n/d.
• Factor A number that is multiplied by another.
• Function A rule that gives exactly one output for each input.

E

• Equivalent fractions Different fractions that name the same amount.
• Equation A statement that two expressions are equal.
• Exponential Growth by repeated multiplication, like powers.

P

• Place value The value a digit has because of its position (ones, tens, hundreds).
• Product The result of a multiplication.
• Percentage A part of 100, written with the % sign.
• Perimeter The distance around the edge of a shape.
• Probability A number between 0 and 1 measuring how likely an event is.

Q

• Quotient The result of a division.

I

• Integer A whole number, positive, negative or zero.

A

• Area The amount of surface inside a shape, in square units.

C

• Coordinate A pair of numbers (x, y) that gives a point on a grid.
• Composite function A function applied to the result of another function.

M

• Mean The sum of values divided by how many there are.

T

• Trigonometry The study of sine, cosine and tangent in triangles and circles.

R

• Ratio A comparison of two quantities, like 2 : 3.

S

• Symmetry When a shape folds onto itself along a line.