Would you have ever thought that we would come up with a maths vocabulary ever? Surprise surprise! Growing up, many of us did not like studying this subject. On the other hand, a bunch of people has found careers in Maths and were the first benchers in class. Understanding and applying the concepts that make this subject is one thing. But, knowing the basic vocabulary of the subject requires a different skillset altogether.
Whether you love maths or not, this vocabulary is what you need to get a grip on the nitty-gritty of the subject. We shall take a look at the common words. You might wonder, “But, why?” Well, because maths is a subject that travels with us, wherever we go. Our lives cannot do without numbers.
Moreover, if you aren’t a student anymore, wouldn’t it be a quick revision of our student-lives? Alright then; here we go!
Maths Vocabulary
All the Basics!
When we say basics, let’s still skip words like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and decision.
1. Interest
“I am interested in studying interest.” Sounds like a trick sentence, doesn’t it? The first interest means to have a little liking for something, while the second one is for our Maths vocabulary.
It means the money paid for the use of other money.
The money we borrow does not come for free. Banks or other private companies charge us with an interest rate for the same. Whether we like maths or not, this is one word that we need to understand to understand basic transactions. Usually, interest is calculated using the percentage (%).
2. Operation
Wow! We just came across yet another confusing word that has a different meaning in maths than in conversational vocabulary. Although, this has nothing to do with hospitals and medical procedures.
In Maths, an operation is a mathematical process. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, fractions, etc. are all examples of mathematical processes.
3. Equation
“Equation” is a very simple word belonging to this vocabulary. But we added it to our list because it holds a lot of importance in the subject, and even otherwise. In life outside maths, equal would define two things or people holding the same value. The same is the case in maths too.
An equation says that two things are equal. In maths, we represent the same as the symbol “=”. Both numbers on the side of the symbol hold the same value.
4. Reciprocal
Let’s jump right to the definition for this word from our maths vocabulary. It is simple, yet may require practice.
The reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by the number. According to the subject, every number, except for “0” has a reciprocal. So, if we divide the number 2 with 1, we get 1/2. Basically, the number becomes a fraction.
It seems like a simple concept, but yet something that could difficult when the numbers become bigger. Although, once we understand that all it requires is division by 1, it solves our purpose of understanding the word.
Vocabulary is tricky to teach. Wondering how to teach it to your students? Take reference from here.
5. Average
Here is another word that we cannot do without in our daily financial transactions. During several investments and purchases, we need to come across this word. Might as well know it well!
It is a calculated “central” value of a set of numbers. So all one needs to do is add up all the numbers, and then divide that total with the total numbers. Sometimes, they also call average as the arithmetic mean.
6. Variable
How many of you liked linear equations? Well, “x’s” and “y’s” that we used are nothing but variables. Usually, we don’t know the value of the variable. Through the equation, we have to find out the value of the same. Mostly, people use x, y, a, b, c, etc. to show variables.
7. Whole Number
A Whole number is probably one of the simplest concepts in maths subject. One look at it, and you would know what it means. But for the benefit of everyone, let’s take another look at it.
So, any number, which is not a square root, fraction, decimal, or anything is a whole number. Like when we say 2, 3, 4, etc. are all whole numbers. On the other hand, if we say 4.5 or 6/5, it isn’t a whole number. Pretty simple, isn’t it?
8. Geometry
The branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, shapes, and space is geometry. Classes would seem really exciting on the days we studied Geometry. We got to carry our geometry boxes, and try and make sense out of everything.
Even though it became complicated with time, we did indeed find more joy in geometry than in the other mathematical concepts. Drawing the arcs with the compass is indeed a personal favorite of many.
These words from our maths vocabulary cover the very basics of the concepts. Although, we can bring in some advanced words belonging to the subject in our next lesson. Until then, this does seem like a good revision of the various concepts. Many of you might not even have to learn these up. One quick glance and the words will register.
Discussion about this post