All skills Math

Learn Index · Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving Grade 1–2

Mathematical vocabulary and notation

The words and symbols that mathematicians use, like sum, difference, product and quotient.

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Maths has its own language

Maths uses special words (vocabulary) and special signs (notation). Knowing them helps you understand questions and explain your thinking.

Key symbols

Symbol Name Means Example
+ plus add 3 + 2
− minus subtract 7 − 4
= equals is the same value as 2 + 3 = 5
> greater than is bigger than 8 > 5
< less than is smaller than 2 < 6
¢ cents money 25¢

Words for adding and subtracting

Adding and subtracting are operations. Many words point to each one:

Addition words Subtraction words
add, plus subtract, minus
altogether, in all take away, left
total, sum difference
more, both fewer, less, how many more
join, combine remove, compare
  • The sum is the answer to an addition: the sum of 4 and 3 is 7.
  • The difference is the answer to a subtraction: the difference between 9 and 5 is 4.

Number words

Word Meaning
digit one of the symbols 0 to 9
even / odd splits into two equal groups / has one left over
double add a number to itself
half one of two equal parts
estimate a good guess that is close

Shape and measurement words

side, corner (vertex), face, edge, circle, square, triangle, longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, holds more, holds less.

Reading number sentences

Read a number sentence from left to right like a real sentence:

  • 6 + 4 = 10 → "Six plus four equals ten."
  • 12 − 5 = 7 → "Twelve minus five equals seven."
  • 9 > 3 → "Nine is greater than three."

Worked examples

Example 1: What is the sum of 5 and 6?

Sum means add: 5 + 6 = 11.

Example 2: What is the difference between 10 and 4?

Difference means subtract: 10 − 4 = 6.

Example 3: "Sam has 3 red balls and 4 blue balls. How many in all?" Which operation?

"In all" means add: 3 + 4 = 7.

Common mistakes

  • Thinking = means "the answer is". It means both sides are the same.
  • Mixing up "difference" with "different". In maths, difference is the result of subtracting.
  • Missing key words in a word problem. Underline them.

Try it yourself

  1. What is the sum of 8 and 2?
  2. What is the difference between 15 and 9?
  3. Read aloud: 7 < 11.
  4. Does "how many are left" mean add or subtract?

Answers: 1) 10 2) 6 3) Seven is less than eleven. 4) subtract

Quick recap

  • Maths vocabulary and notation help us read and write maths.
  • Sum = add; difference = subtract.
  • Equals means both sides have the same value.