IB Math Command Terms

calculate

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working

Comment

Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Compare

Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations,

referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Compare and

contrast

Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or

situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Construct

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form

Contrast

Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations,

referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Deduce

Reach a conclusion from the information given.

Demonstrate

Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical

application.

Describe

Give a detailed account

Determine

Obtain the only possible answer.

Differentiate

Obtain the derivative of a function.

Distinguish

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Draw

Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A

ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn

to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in

a straight line or smooth curve.

Estimate

Obtain an approximate value.

Explain

Give a detailed account, including reasons or causes.

Find

Obtain an answer, showing relevant stages in the working.

Hence

Use the preceding work to obtain the required result.

Hence or otherwise

It is suggested that the preceding work is used, but other methods could also

receive credit.

Identify

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

Integrate

Obtain the integral of a function

Interpret

Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions from

given information.

Investigate

Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to

establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Justify

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Label

Add labels to a diagram

List

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Plot

Mark the position of points on a diagram.

Predict

Give an expected result.

Show

Give the steps in a calculation or derivation

Show that

Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality

of proof. "Show that" questions do not generally require the use of a calculator.

Sketch

Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labelled as appropriate). The sketch

should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include

relevant features.

Solve

Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.

State

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or

calculation.

Suggest

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Verify

Provide evidence that validates the result.

Write down

Obtain the answer(s), usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is

required. Working does not need to be shown.