Glossary of Mathematical Terms

2-D shapes
Two dimensional (2-D) shapes are figures such as circles, squares and triangles that have two measures
(e.g.  length, width, or height)

3-D objects
Three dimensional (3-D) objects are also called solid objects. They are objects such as prisms, pyramids, cylinders and cones that have height

Math fact or fact or facts
An addition fact is when two single digit numbers are added together. Addition facts include sums up to 9 + 9.
(e.g. 10 + 7 = 17)

A subtraction fact is the subtraction of a single digit number from 18 or less. Subtraction facts include differences up to
18 – 9.  (e.g. 15 – 6 = 9)

Doubles are addition facts where the two numbers added together are the same. (e.g. 1+1, 7+7)

A multiplication fact is when two single-digit numbers are multiplied together up to 9 x 9.  (e.g. 3 X 7 = 21, 9 X 8 = 71)

Grade 2 Math facts
Adding and subtracting to 10; doubles to 9+9, and related subtraction facts

Representing Numbers
Representing numbers is when pictures, drawings, symbols, or actual objects are used to show or stand for numbers.

Strategy
A method or system of steps used to solve problems. Several examples of strategies are: drawing a picture or graph, looking for a pattern, using a process of elimination, using trial and error, and applying mental math and estimation strategies.

Equation
A mathematical sentence stating that two expressions are equal. An equation contains an equal sign (=).
(e.g. 3+ 4= 7)

Algebraic expression
A mathematical phrase that is written using one or more variables and constants. (e.g., 3y + 6)

double bar graphs 
A graph that uses pairs of bars to compare and show the relationship between data.

Capacity 
Total amount of fluid (liquid or gas) in a container, usually measured in the metric unit of liter (L) or milliliter (mL).  Example: a 500 mL container of milk.

Strategy 
A method or system of steps used to solve problems. Several examples of strategies are: drawing a picture or graph, looking for a pattern, using a process of elimination, using trial and error, and applying mental math and estimation strategies.

Equation 
A mathematical sentence stating that two expressions are equal. An equation contains an equal sign (=). (e.g. 3+ 4= 7)

Expression 
A mathematical representation containing numbers, variables, and/or operation symbols; an expression does not include a relational symbol (<, >, =, ≠ ). Examples: (5 + 2) — 27 ÷ 3 (arithmetic/numerical expression) 2a + 3b (algebraic/symbolic expression)

Factors 
A number or expression that is multiplied by another to yield a product (e.g., a factor of 24 is 8 because 8 × 3 = 24, and a factor of 3n is n because 3 × n = 3n).

Mental math
Mathematics done “in the head”, either in whole or in part.

Multiples 
The product of a given whole number and any other whole number. (e.g. 18 is a multiple of 6 since 6 × 3 = 18)

mm, cm, and m 
Metric units for length – millimeter (mm), centimeter (cm) and meter (m)

Variable 
A symbol used to represent a number in an expression or an unknown value in an equation. (e.g. 2n + 3 [the variable is n],  a + 3 = 5 [the variable is a])

Volume 
Quantity of a three-dimensional space contained in closed boundary often measured in cubic meter (m3) or cubic centimeter (cm³). Example: the volume of a sugar cube is approximately 3,4 cm³.

Order of operations 
A specified sequence in which mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are expected to be performed.

Tessellate
Create a pattern by fitting shapes together in a repeated pattern with no gaps or overlaps.

Line graphs
A graph that uses line segments to show changes in data; the data usually represents trends, relationships, or a quantity changing over time.

Line segments
A straight line which links two points without extending beyond them.

Integers 
The set of numbers consisting of the whole numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, …), their opposites (e.g., -1, -2, -3, -4, …), and 0.

Slides or translation
In geometry, a transformation in which an object is moved along a straight line without turning or changing the size or shape. Every point of an object is moved the same distance and in the same direction.

Rotations
In geometry, a transformation in which an object is moved about a fixed point called a point of rotation.

Reflections or flip
A transformation in geometry in which an object is reflected in a straight line to form a mirror image. Every point of an object and the corresponding point on the image are at the same distance from the line of reflection.

Parallelograms 
A four side shape with two pairs of parallel sides.

Mean 
The arithmetic average of numbers. A measure of central tendency. The quotient obtained when the sum of the numbers in a set is divided by the number of addends.

Median 
The middle value in an ordered list. If there is no middle value, the median is the average of the two middle values. Examples: The median of the numbers 1, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 is 4. The median of the numbers 1, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 7 is 4.5.

Mode 
The number or members of a data set that occur(s) most frequently in the set of data. Examples: In the set 87, 85, 86, 90, and 86, the mode is 86. In the set 87, 85, 86, and 90, there is no mode.

Range (of a set of data)
The difference between the greatest and the least values in a set of numbers. Examples: Given the data: 2, 7, -3, 14, -1, 6, 34, 3 The range is: 34 - (-3) = 37

Number skills
Being able to solve mathematical problems using knowledge of number patterns and mental math strategies.

Number sense
Having a good conceptual understanding of numbers and number concepts.

Area 
The measure of the interior surface of a closed region or figure; area is measured in square units such as m² or cm².

Pythagorean theorem 
The mathematical relationship stating that in any right triangle the sum of the squares of the two legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse; if a and b are the lengths of the legs and c is the length of the hypotenuse, then a2 + b2 = c2.

Square roots 
A number (factor) that, when multiplied by itself, produces the given square. (e.g., the square root of16 is 4)

Linear equations 
An equation that can be represented graphically by a straight line. (e.g., y = 2x – 7)

Evidence of learning
An evidence of learning is a demonstration of what a student has learned.

Weight
The weight represents how much an assessment is worth in percentage of the total grade.