Math Vocabulary

MCAS
Math Vocabulary

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

   array – an arrangement of objects in equal rows and columns, i.e. – a multiplication table.

   area – the number of square units that cover a figure ( in a rectangle length x width).

   calculate (compute) – To find the answer, usually by adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing (check the sign).

   capacity – the greatest amount that a container can hold, i.e. A liter bottle can hold up to 1 liter of liquid.

   clockwise – in the direction that the hands of a clock rotate.

   congruent – having exactly the same size and shape.

   consecutive – in order with none missing –( 0,1,2,3,4,5,….; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,….; Jan., Feb., Mar.,…)

   counterclockwise – in a direction opposite to the direction that the hands of a clock rotate.

   data – information, i.e. names, phone numbers, test grades.

   diagonal – a line segment that joins 2 vertices of a polygon but is NOT a side of the polygon (in a square it is the line that divides it into 2 triangles).

   difference – the answer in subtraction, i.e. the difference between the numbers 10 and 2 is 8; 10 – 2 = 8 ; 8 is the difference.

   digit –the symbol used to show numbers (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9).

   estimate – an answer that is not exact but close; an estimate tells about how much or about how many, i.e. there are about 25 students in each class.

    expanded form – a way to write numbers that shows the place value of each digit 263 = 200 + 60 + 3.

    explain – to list in detail the steps used to get an answer.

   graph – a drawing that shows the relationship of two sets of data.

   grid – a pattern of horizontal and vertical lines usually forming squares, i.e. graph paper.

input/output – a table that lists pairs of numbers related by function.

Example:
Input/Output Rule
10 3
Subtract 7 from the input

line symmetry – if a figure can be folded along a line so that two halves match exactly, the figure has line symmetry, i.e. a starfish

line of symmetry – a line that divides a figure into 2 congruent parts that are mirror images of each other

motion geometry – when you flip, turn or slide a figure in order tocheck for congruency, i.e.

You can slide a figure
across a line.

You can flip a figure over a line.

You can turn a figure around a point.

   number sentence – an equation written horizontally with numbers
5 + 4 = 9

   obtuse angle – an angle that measures more than 90 degrees

   operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are the four basic operations in math; they tell you what type of mathematics to do.

   ordered pair (coordinates) – a pair of numbers used to name alocation on a grid, i.e.       longitude and latitude.

   parallel lines – lines that do not intersect and are always the same distance apart

perimeter – the distance around something – to find the perimeter add the measurements of all the sides

perpendicular lines – lines that intersect at right angles

probability – the chance or likelihood that something will happen.

product – the answer in multiplication; i.e. the product of 8 and 2 is 16.

quotient – the answer in division; i.e. when you divide 16 by 2, the quotient is 2.

right angle – an angle that measures exactly 90 degrees.

sum – the answer in addition; i.e. the sum of 6 and 3 is 9.