Math Vocabulary

Knowing some math-related vocabulary is very useful. In this article, you will find some basic (and a little more advanced) math expressions as well as examples on how to use them.

+ is spelled plus.

Example:
2 + 3 is spelled two plus three.

When we want to construct a sentence with a verb, we need to use the verb add.

Example:
Add one to four. How much do you got, Mike?

The noun from add is adding.

Example:
By adding two positive numbers you get a positive number.

 

- is spelled minus.

Example:
2 - 3 is spelled four minus three.

When we want to construct a sentence with a verb, we need to use the verb subtract.

Example:
Subtract one from four. How much do you got, John?

The noun from subtract is subtraction.

Example:
Subtraction may not be easy at first for the youngest.

/ or ÷ is spelled (divided) by.
Example:

8/4 is spelled eight (divided) by four.

When we want to construct a sentence with a verb, we need to use the verb divide.

Example:
Let's divide 16 by 4. Can anyone tell me what the result is?

The noun from multiply is division.

Example:
Division is taught early in the primary school.

x or * is spelled times.

Example:
4*5 is spelled four times five.

When we want to construct a sentence with a verb, we need to use the verb multiply.

Example:
Let's Multiply five by six. Can anyone tell me what the result is?

The noun from multiply is multiplication.

Example:
Multiplication is taught early in the primary school.

= is spelled equals

Example:
3 + 2 = 5 is spelled three plus two equals five.

The noun from multiply equation.

Example:
An equation is a mathematical statement, in symbols, that two things are exactly the same.

< is spelled less than.

Example:
5 < 10 is spelled five is less than ten.

> is spelledgreater than.

Example:
12 > 8 is spelled twelve is greater than eight

1/2 is spelled one half.

Example:
1 1/2 is spelled one and one half.

1/3 is spelled one third.

Example:
3 1/3 is spelled three and one third.

1/4 is spelled one quarter.

Example:
2 1/4 is spelled two and one quarter.

5/9, 2/3, 5/6 is spelled five ninths, two thirds, five sixths.

Example:
4 2/3 is spelled four and two thirds.

% is spelled percent.

Example:
98% is spelled ninety eight percent.