General Math Vocabulary List

A collection of vocabulary terms related to general mathematics.

addition

The mathematical process of combining two or more numbers to get a total.

subtraction

The mathematical process of taking one number away from another.

multiplication

The mathematical process of combining equal groups; the result is the product.

division

The mathematical process of splitting a number into equal parts; the result is the quotient.

number

A mathematical object used to count, measure, and label.

zero

The numerical value of 0, representing no quantity.

fraction

A numerical quantity that is not a whole number, expressed as one number divided by another.

numerator

The top number in a fraction, representing how many parts are taken.

denominator

The bottom number in a fraction, representing the total number of equal parts.

decimal

A number that represents a fraction, expressed using a decimal point.

percentage

A fraction expressed as a part of 100.

sum

The result of adding two or more numbers together.

difference

The result of subtracting one number from another.

product

The result of multiplying two or more numbers together.

quotient

The result of dividing one number by another.

remainder

The amount left over when a number cannot be divided evenly.

even number

An integer that is exactly divisible by 2.

odd number

An integer that is not divisible by 2.

positive

A number that is greater than zero.

negative

A number that is less than zero.

greater than

A term used to compare two numbers, indicating that the first number is larger.

less than

A term used to compare two numbers, indicating that the first number is smaller.

equation

A mathematical statement that two expressions are equal.

solve

To find the answer or solution to a mathematical problem.

answer / solution

The result of solving a mathematical problem.

calculate

To determine a numerical result using mathematical operations.

word problem

A mathematical problem expressed in words rather than numbers.

round

To adjust the value of a number to a nearby specified value.

estimate

To make an approximate calculation or judgment about a value.