Mathematics Vocabulary Terms

Mathematical knowledge is crucial in many jobs, especially when working with native English speakers. Whether you’re in an office, teaching, or even shopping, understanding and using math vocabulary can make your communication more precise and effective. This reference will cover essential mathematics vocabulary words you need to know for various situations.

Basic Mathematics Vocabulary Words

Math, short for mathematics, is a subject that involves the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns. It helps us understand and describe the world around us using numbers and symbols. Math is used in many everyday activities, such as counting money, measuring ingredients for a recipe, or telling time.

What Are Mathematical Terms?

Mathematical terms are specific words and phrases that describe concepts, quantities, processes, and relationships in math. Examples include variables, coefficients, terms, equations, and theorems.

• A term in algebra could be a single number or variable, or a combination like (3xy).
• An angle is formed by two rays with a common endpoint, called the vertex.

List of Common Mathematics Vocabulary Words

• Straight line
• Perpendicular
• Curve
• Arc
• Circle
• Radius
• Diameter
• Section
• Square
• Rectangle
• Diagonal
• Right triangle
• Oval
• Center
• Whole
• A half (1/2)
• A quarter (1/4)
• Cube
• Cylinder
• Pyramid
• Cone
• Parallel lines

Basic Math Vocabulary Words with Examples and Pictures

Straight line

• A line that extends infinitely in both directions, with all points on the line being equidistant from each other.
• Example: The straight line was used to measure the distance between two points.

Perpendicular

• Two lines that intersect at a 90-degree angle, forming four right angles.
• Example: The perpendicular lines formed the corners of the square.

Curve

• A line that bends or changes direction, often forming a smooth and flowing shape.
• Example: The curve of the road followed the contours of the hillside.

Arc

• A portion of a curve, often measured in degrees or radians.
• Example: The arc of the rainbow spanned the sky, creating a beautiful and colorful display.

Circle

• A closed curve with all points equidistant from a central point, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The circle was drawn with a compass, creating a perfect round shape.

Radius

• The distance from the center of a circle to any point on the circumference, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The radius of the circle was six inches.

Diameter

• The distance across a circle, passing through the center, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The diameter of the circle was twelve inches.

Section

• A part or portion of something that has been divided or separated.
• Example: The section of the cake was cut into small pieces and served to the guests.

Square

• A four-sided polygon with equal sides and angles, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The square had sides that were each eight inches long.

Rectangle

• A four-sided polygon with opposite sides that are equal in length and parallel, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The rectangle had a length of ten inches and a width of six inches.

Diagonal

• A straight line that connects two opposite corners of a polygon, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The diagonal of the square was the longest distance between any two points.

Right triangle

• A triangle with one 90-degree angle, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The right triangle had a hypotenuse that was twice as long as one of the legs.

Oval

• A closed curve that resembles an elongated circle, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The oval was drawn with a pair of compasses, creating a symmetrical and smooth shape.

Center

• The point that is equidistant from all points on a circle or sphere, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The center of the circle was marked with a dot.

Whole

• The complete amount or quantity of something, without any parts missing or removed.
• Example: The whole cake was decorated with frosting and candles.

A half (1/2)

• One of two equal parts of a whole, often used in fractions and mathematics.
• Example: She cut the sandwich in half, giving one piece to her friend.

A quarter (1/4)

• One of four equal parts of a whole, often used in fractions and mathematics.
• Example: The pizza was sliced into quarters, with each piece having the same amount of toppings.

Cube

• A three-dimensional shape with six square faces of equal size, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The cube had a volume of 27 cubic inches.

Cylinder

• A three-dimensional shape with two circular faces of equal size and a curved surface, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The cylinder had a volume of 100 cubic inches.

Pyramid

• A three-dimensional shape with a base that is a polygon and triangular faces that meet at a common vertex, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The pyramid had a height of 10 inches and a volume of 120 cubic inches.

Cone

• A three-dimensional shape with a circular base and a curved surface that tapers to a point, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The cone had a height of 8 inches and a volume of 50 cubic inches.

Parallel lines

• Two lines that are always the same distance apart and never intersect, often used in geometry and mathematics.
• Example: The parallel lines were drawn with a ruler, creating a perfectly straight and even spacing.

List of Mathematics Terms

Algebra Terms

• Variable
• Constant
• Coefficient
• Expression
• Equation
• Inequality
• Polynomial
• Monomial
• Binomial
• Trinomial
• Factor
• Term
• Exponent
• Base
• Radical
• Root
• Square root
• Cube root
• Function
• Domain
• Range
• Linear equation
• Quadratic equation
• System of equations
• Matrix
• Determinant

Geometry Terms

• Point
• Line
• Line segment
• Ray
• Plane
• Angle
• Acute angle
• Right angle
• Obtuse angle
• Straight angle
• Reflex angle
• Complementary angles
• Supplementary angles
• Parallel lines
• Perpendicular lines
• Triangle
• Quadrilateral
• Polygon
• Circle
• Radius
• Diameter
• Circumference
• Area
• Perimeter
• Volume
• Surface area
• Vertex
• Edge
• Face
• Congruent
• Similar
• Symmetry
• Transformation
• Translation
• Rotation
• Reflection
• Scale factor

Trigonometry Terms

• Sine
• Cosine
• Tangent
• Cotangent
• Secant
• Cosecant
• Hypotenuse
• Opposite side
• Adjacent side
• Angle of elevation
• Angle of depression
• Unit circle
• Trigonometric identities

Calculus Terms

• Limit
• Derivative
• Integral
• Differentiation
• Integration
• Rate of change
• Slope
• Tangent line
• Area under a curve
• Definite integral
• Indefinite integral
• Partial derivative
• Chain rule
• Product rule
• Quotient rule

Statistics and Probability Terms

• Mean
• Median
• Mode
• Range
• Variance
• Standard deviation
• Probability
• Random variable
• Distribution
• Normal distribution
• Binomial distribution
• Poisson distribution
• Hypothesis
• Null hypothesis
• Alternative hypothesis
• P-value
• Confidence interval
• Correlation
• Regression
• Sample
• Population

Set Theory Terms

• Set
• Element
• Subset
• Union
• Intersection
• Complement
• Universal set
• Empty set
• Cardinality

Number Theory Terms

• Prime number
• Composite number
• Divisor
• Multiple
• Greatest common divisor (GCD)
• Least common multiple (LCM)
• Factorial
• Fibonacci sequence

Miscellaneous Terms

• Algorithm
• Approximation
• Asymptote
• Binomial theorem
• Convergence
• Divergence
• Graph
• Hypothesis testing
• Logarithm
• Matrix
• Modulus
• Permutation
• Combination
• Probability
• Sequence
• Series
• Theorem
• Vector

Infographics of Advanced Mathematics Terms

PEMDAS Meaning

Basic Mathematics Vocabulary Video

More interesting articles

• Cardinal Numbers in English
• Concave vs. Convex: Understand the Difference
• Geometric Lines Names in English
• Horizontal vs. Vertical: The Main Differences
• Hundreds Chart: Numbers 1-100 Counting Chart in English
• Less Than vs. Equal To: Improve Math Vocabulary
• Less Than vs. Greater Than: Expressing Inequalities
• List of Ordinal Numbers in English
• Mathematical Symbols List in English
• Number Chart: How to Write Numbers in Words in English
• Radius vs. Diameter: Understand the Difference
• Rational vs. Irrational Numbers: What Is The Main Difference?
• Row vs. Column: Understand the Difference
• What Does the Term “Nil” Mean?