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English Mathematical Terms

English Mathematical Terms

International English Test Editorial Team·28 Dec 2023·3 min read

Improve your math-related English with these essential terms for better exam performance and class communication.

For those gearing up for a math exam in English, it’s crucial to understand the mathematical terminology in the language. This article provides a compilation of  essential English mathematical terms necessary for your upcoming test.

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Master essential English math terms

Arithmetic, a fundamental segment of mathematics, centers on the four primary operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This subject is pivotal for early math proficiency and establishing a robust groundwork for advanced mathematical principles.

Here are some essential terms related to arithmetic:

Factor: A number that, when multiplied by another number, produces a product.
Dividend: The number undergoing division.
Divisor: The number dividing the dividend.

Sum: The outcome of combining two or more numbers.
Difference: The outcome of subtracting one number from another.
Product: The result of multiplying two or more numbers.
Quotient: The result of dividing one number by another.

Geometry: Lines, angles, and shapes

Geometry is a branch of mathematics concentrated on examining lines, angles, and shapes. It plays a fundamental role in fostering comprehension of spatial relationships, measurement, and visualization, with practical applications in fields like art, architecture, and engineering. Below are crucial terms associated with geometry:

Perimeter: The distance around a shape.
Area: The space enclosed within a shape.

Angle: The space between two intersecting lines or planes.
Triangle: A three-sided shape with three angles.
Quadrilateral: A four-sided shape with four angles.
Circle: A shape with all points equidistant from a central point.

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Calculus: Derivatives, integrals, and limits

Calculus is a branch of mathematics that ventures beyond algebra, focusing on advanced concepts such as derivatives, integrals, and limits. Here are key terms associated with calculus:

Derivative: The rate at which a function is changing at a specific point.
Integral: The area beneath a curve.
Limit: The value that a function approaches as the input nears a specific value.

Simple math functions

Understanding simple math functions is crucial in mathematics. Here are some of the most common math functions and their meanings:

  • Addition: This function is used to add two or more numbers together. 
  • Multiplication: This function is used to multiply two or more numbers together. 
  • Division: This function is used to divide one number by another. 
  • Subtraction: This function is used to subtract one number from another. 

Algebra: Equations, expressions, and functions

Algebra extends beyond basic arithmetic and encompasses the study of equations, expressions, and functions. A solid grasp of key algebraic terms is vital for success in mathematics and science.

Equation: A mathematical statement indicating the equality of two expressions.
Expression: A combination of numbers and variables operated on with mathematical operations.
Variable: A symbol or letter representing a variable value.
Coefficient: The number multiplied by a variable.
Function: A mathematical rule assigning a unique output to each input.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The dividend is the number undergoing division, while the divisor is the number doing the dividing. For example, when you divide 12 by 3, the 12 is the dividend and the 3 is the divisor. The result you get from that division is called the quotient, so all three terms describe distinct parts of one division problem.
These four words name the results of the four arithmetic operations. The sum is the outcome of combining two or more numbers through addition. The difference is what you get when you subtract one number from another. The product is the result of multiplying numbers together, and the quotient is the result of dividing one number by another.
Geometry deals with lines, angles, and shapes, so useful terms include perimeter, the distance around a shape, and area, the space enclosed within a shape. An angle is the space between two intersecting lines or planes. Shape words include triangle for a three-sided figure, quadrilateral for a four-sided figure, and circle for points equidistant from a central point.
These belong to calculus, which goes beyond algebra. A derivative describes the rate at which a function is changing at a specific point. An integral refers to the area beneath a curve. A limit is the value that a function approaches as the input nears a specific value. Knowing these definitions helps when sitting a calculus exam delivered in English.
A variable is a symbol or letter that represents a changing value, often written as x or y. A coefficient is the number multiplied by that variable. For instance, in the term 5x, the 5 is the coefficient and the x is the variable. Algebra also relies on equations, which state that two expressions are equal, and functions, which assign one output to each input.
An expression is a combination of numbers and variables joined by mathematical operations, such as 3x plus 2, without an equals sign. An equation is a complete mathematical statement showing that two expressions are equal, such as 3x plus 2 equals 8. The key distinction is that an equation contains an equals sign and asserts equality, while an expression simply represents a value.
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International English Test Editorial Team

ALTE Associate Member · UK English assessment provider · Est. 2023

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