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 covers essential mathematics vocabulary words used in everyday life, education, and technical fields.
Basic Mathematics Vocabulary Words
Math, short for mathematics, is the study of numbers, shapes, quantities, and patterns. It helps describe and explain the world through numbers and symbols, from measuring ingredients to calculating time and distance.
What Are Mathematical Terms?
Mathematical terms are specific words and phrases used to describe concepts, quantities, operations, and relationships in mathematics.
- A term in algebra may be a number, a variable, or a product such as 3xy.
- An angle is formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint called the vertex.
Common Mathematics Vocabulary
| Word | IPA (US) |
|---|---|
| Straight line | /streɪt laɪn/ |
| Perpendicular | /ˌpɝːpənˈdɪkjələr/ |
| Curve | /kɝːv/ |
| Arc | /ɑrk/ |
| Circle | /ˈsɝːkəl/ |
| Radius | /ˈreɪdiəs/ |
| Diameter | /daɪˈæmɪtər/ |
| Square | /skwer/ |
| Rectangle | /ˈrɛkˌtæŋɡəl/ |
| Diagonal | /daɪˈæɡənəl/ |
| Right triangle | /raɪt ˈtraɪˌæŋɡəl/ |
| Oval | /ˈoʊvəl/ |
| Center | /ˈsɛntər/ |
| Parallel lines | /ˈpærəˌlɛl laɪnz/ |
Basic Math Vocabulary with Examples and Pictures
Straight line
- A straight one-dimensional figure with no thickness that extends infinitely in both directions.
- Example: The distance between two points is represented by a line segment on a straight line.
Perpendicular
- Two lines that intersect at a right angle (90 degrees).
- Example: The sides of a square meet at perpendicular angles.
Circle
- A set of all points in a plane that are the same distance from a fixed point called the center.
- Example: A circle can be drawn using a compass by fixing one central point.
Radius
- A line segment connecting the center of a circle to a point on the circumference.
- Example: The radius of the circle measured six inches.
Diameter
- A line segment passing through the center of a circle with endpoints on the circle.
- Example: The diameter is twice the length of the radius.
Square
- A quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles.
- Example: Each side of the square was eight inches long.
Rectangle
- A quadrilateral with opposite sides equal and all interior angles equal to 90 degrees.
- Example: The rectangle had a length of ten inches and a width of six inches.
Right triangle
- A triangle that contains one right angle.
- Example: In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is the longest side.
Oval
- A smooth, closed curve resembling a flattened circle.
- Example: The running track has an oval shape.
Parallel lines
- Lines in a plane that never intersect and remain the same distance apart.
- Example: Railroad tracks are an example of parallel lines.
Infographic: PEMDAS Meaning
