IB Math A&A Command Terms

Calculate

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.

Comment

Give a judgement 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 all (both) 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 of 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 a 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 and 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

Prove

Use a sequence of logical steps to obtain the required result in a formal way

Show

Give the steps in a calculation or derivation

Show that

Obtain the required result (possibly using the 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 of 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 be extracting information. Little or no calculation is required. Working does not need to be shown.