Mathematics is a subject that is filled with various terminologies and vocabulary words that are essential for understanding and solving mathematical problems. Whether you are a student studying math or just someone interested in expanding your knowledge, having a good grasp of math vocabulary can greatly benefit you. In this article, we will explore 10 important math vocabulary words that you should know.
An integer is a whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero. Integers do not have any fractions or decimals. Examples of integers include -3, 0, 7, and -10.
2. Quadratic Equation
A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of the second degree. It is usually written in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants, and x is the variable.
3. Hypotenuse
The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle. It is opposite the right angle and is found using the Pythagorean theorem, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where a and b are the other two sides of the triangle.
4. Factorial
The factorial of a non-negative integer n is denoted by n! and is the product of all positive integers less than or equal to n. For example, 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120.
5. Diameter
The diameter of a circle is a straight line passing through the center of the circle and connecting two points on the circumference. It is twice the length of the radius of the circle.
6. Prime Number
A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. Examples of prime numbers include 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
7. Slope
The slope of a line is a measure of its steepness. It is calculated as the ratio of the vertical change (rise) to the horizontal change (run) between two points on the line.
8. Perpendicular
Two lines are perpendicular to each other if they intersect at a right angle (90 degrees). The slopes of perpendicular lines are negative reciprocals of each other.
9. Exponent
An exponent represents the number of times a base number is multiplied by itself. It is written as a superscript to the right of the base number. For example, 2^3 = 2 x 2 x 2 = 8.
10. Median
The median of a set of numbers is the middle value when the numbers are arranged in order. If there is an even number of values, the median is the average of the two middle values.
Understanding these math vocabulary words will not only help you in your math studies but also in real-life situations where mathematical knowledge is required. Practice using these terms in context to strengthen your understanding of mathematics and improve your problem-solving skills.