In maths, words matter — a lot. While numbers and formulas get all the attention, understanding maths vocabulary is just as important, especially when it comes to solving word problems and interpreting questions correctly.
If you don’t know what a question is asking, it’s very easy to apply the wrong operation and get the wrong answer — even if your working is perfect.
Maths Is a Language Too
Every subject has its own set of key terms, and maths is no exception. Words like sum, difference, product, and quotient are signals — they tell you what to do with the numbers.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common maths words and what they mean:
| Word | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Sum | Add |
| Total | Add |
| Increase by | Add |
| Difference | Subtract |
| Take away | Subtract |
| Decrease by | Subtract |
| Product | Multiply |
| Times | Multiply |
| Twice / triple | Multiply by 2 / 3 |
| Quotient | Divide |
| Shared between | Divide |
These terms often appear in tests, textbooks, and real-life maths problems. Knowing them means you won’t waste time second-guessing or making avoidable mistakes.
Why This Matters
Let’s say a question asks:
“Find the difference between 124 and 89.”
If you don’t know that difference means subtract, you might accidentally add the numbers — and miss out on a mark you could have easily earned.
In multi-step problems, misunderstanding just one key word can throw off your whole solution.
How to Build Vocabulary Confidence
Here are a few tips for strengthening your maths language skills:
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📖 Make a maths word wall at home or in your study area.
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🗣 Say the words out loud and use them in sentences: “The product of 3 and 5 is 15.”
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📝 Highlight key words in word problems.
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🎯 Test yourself or get someone to quiz you with flashcards.
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🧩 Look out for these words in everyday life — shopping, cooking, sports, and more!
The Bottom Line
Knowing your maths vocabulary gives you clarity, confidence, and speed. It helps you understand what questions are really asking and makes problem-solving much smoother.
So next time you see words like product, difference, or quotient, smile — you’ve got this!
#MrDTeaches #MathsVocabulary #MathsConfidence #MathsTips #StudySmarter
