Mathematics Study Guide

A collection of key mathematical vocabulary terms and their definitions to aid in exam preparation.

Fraction

A numerical quantity that is not a whole number, representing a part of a whole.

Numerator

The top number in a fraction, indicating how many parts of the whole are being considered.

Denominator

The bottom number in a fraction, indicating the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

Decimal

A fractional number expressed in a system based on the powers of ten, typically denoting a part of a whole.

Percentage

A rate, number, or amount in each hundred, used to express a fraction in terms of 100.

Equation

A mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions.

Variable

A symbol or letter that represents an unknown number or value in mathematical expressions.

Coefficient

A numerical or constant factor in a term of an algebraic expression.

Mean

The average of a set of numbers calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the number of values.

Median

The middle number in a sorted list of numbers, which separates the higher half from the lower half.

Mode

The value that appears most frequently in a data set.

Rational Numbers

Numbers that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero.

Irrational Numbers

Numbers that cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers, typically non-repeating and non-terminating decimals.

Order of Operations

The rules determining the sequence in which calculations are performed in mathematical expressions, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).

Percentage Increase

The amount of increase expressed as a percentage of the original value.

Proportion

An equation that states that two ratios are equal.

Circumference

The perimeter or boundary line of a circular object, calculated as C = 2πr or C = πd.

Area

The measure of the space enclosed within a two-dimensional shape.

Volume

The measure of the three-dimensional space occupied by an object or substance.

Data Trends

Patterns or tendencies shown in data over time, often represented in graphs or charts.

Independent Variable

A variable that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

A variable that is measured in an experiment and is affected by changes in the independent variable.