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Math Vocabulary for Teachers

The document is a teacher's resource for Cambridge Primary Mathematics 5, providing a glossary of mathematical terms and concepts. It includes definitions for various mathematical terms such as angle, area, average, and types of numbers and shapes. The resource aims to support educators in teaching fundamental mathematics to primary students.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
61 views4 pages

Math Vocabulary for Teachers

The document is a teacher's resource for Cambridge Primary Mathematics 5, providing a glossary of mathematical terms and concepts. It includes definitions for various mathematical terms such as angle, area, average, and types of numbers and shapes. The resource aims to support educators in teaching fundamental mathematics to primary students.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY MATHEMATICS 5: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

Glossary
Angle: the amount of a turn Cube: a 3D shape with exactly 6 square faces
Area: the size a surface covers; it is measured in Data: a collection of information
square units, such as square metres (m2) or square Decimal number: a number written in decimal
centimetres (cm2) notation, for example 34.5
Associative law: when more than two numbers are Decimal place: the number of digits to the right of
added or multiplied, you can do the calculations in the decimal point, for example: the number 45.67 has
any order; for example: two decimal places
8+3+4=8+3+4 5×2×3=5×2×3 Decimal point: the decimal point separates whole
numbers from decimal places. You read 57.08 as
11 + 4 = 8 + 7 10 × 3 = 5 × 6 ‘fifty-seven point zero eight’.

15 = 15 30 = 30 1 1
10s 1s 10 s 100 s

Average: a way to describe a set of data. It could 5 7 0 8


be the most usual value or the middle value in a set
of data.
Decompose: break down a number into parts
Bar chart: a graph with information organised (hundreds, tens and ones), for example 456 is
into bars. The length of a bar shows the frequency 400 + 50 + 6
it represents.
Degree: a unit of measurement for angles
Carry: lift a number and take it to another place;
for example: °: the symbol used for degrees
Denominator: the bottom number of a fraction.
4 8 It tells you how many equal parts a shape has been
+ 4 7
divided into; for example, in 3 , 5 is the denominator.
9 5 7 add 8 is 15 5
1 Write the 5 in the ‘ones’ column
Carry 1 ten to the ‘tens’ column 3
5
Certain: an outcome which will definitely happen
Common denominator: a common multiple of the Distributive law: when two numbers are multiplied,
denominators of two or more fractions. For example, you can break one number into two parts and keep
9 is a common denominator for 1 and 1 and 12 is a the second number the same, then work with two
3 9 simpler multiplications. Add the products to give
common denominator for 1
and 1
. the answer. For example:
3 4
Commutative law: when two numbers are added or 16 × 4
(Break 16 into 10 + 6)
multiplied, you can do the calculation in any order; (Work with two
for example: multiplications)
7 + 4 = 4 + 7 = 11 7 × 5 = 5 × 7 = 35 10 × 4 = 40 + 6 × 4 = 24
(Find the sum of the
Compose: put a number together from its parts two multiplications)
(hundreds, tens and ones), for example = 64
600 + 30 + 2 = 632
Composite number: a number with more than two Divisibility test: a test for finding whether one whole
factors; for example, 6 has the factors 1, 2, 3 and 6 number is divisible by another; for example, a
Coordinates: a pair of numbers that gives a number can be divided by …
position on a grid. The first number gives the Divisible: can be divided without a remainder; for
horizontal position. The second number gives the example, 14 is divisible by 2
vertical position.

1 Cambridge Primary Mathematics 5 – Wood & Low © Cambridge University Press 2021
CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY MATHEMATICS 5: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

Divisor: a number by which another number is Linear sequence: a number pattern which increases
divided, for example: or decreases by the same amount each time;
for example, the pattern 2, 6, 10, 14, … follows the
30 ÷ 3 = 10 rule ‘add 4’
Median: a type of average which is the middle value
divisor after the data has been arranged in order
Mixed number: a whole number and a proper fraction
Dot plot: a graph with information represented by
combined; for example 1 3
dots. The height of the dot shows the frequency 4
it represents. Mode: a type of average which is the value that
Equally likely: outcomes have the same chance occurs the most in a set of data
of happening Multiple: the result of multiplying a number by a
Equilateral triangle: a triangle with three equal sides positive whole number; for example, 3, 6, 9, 12, … are
and three equal angles; a regular triangle multiples of 3
Even chance: there is the same chance that an Nearest: closest
outcome will happen or will not happen Negative number: a number that is less than zero; we
Factor: a whole number that divides exactly into use a − sign to show a negative number
another number. For example, 6 divides exactly by 2
−10 0 10
and 3 so 2 and 3 are factors of 6.
Frequency diagram: a graph with information negative numbers positive numbers
organised into bars which represent the frequencies
of ranges or intervals. Frequency diagrams are used Numerator: the top number of a fraction. It tells you
for continuous data, such as measures. There are no how many parts you have.
gaps between bars in a frequency diagram. Open cube: a shape made with exactly 5 square faces;
Hundredth: one of one hundred equal parts; as a a cube with one face missing
decimal it is written as 0.01 Operator: a fraction used to find a part of an
Impossible: there is no chance that an outcome amount; for example, to find 3 of something, you
will happen 4

Improper fraction: a fraction where the numerator either divide by 4 and then multiply by 3 or multiply
is greater than or equal to the denominator; by 3 and then divide by 4
5 Outcome: the result of an event in a probability
for example, (five-thirds)
3
experiment
Integer: a positive or negative number or zero but not Per cent: the number of parts in a hundred
a decimal or fraction
Percentage: the number of parts out of a hundred;
Inverse operations: operations that are the opposite of the symbol is %
each other; for example:
the inverse of add 2 is subtract 2 Perimeter: the total distance around the outside of
the inverse of multiply by 5 is divide by 5 a shape; it is measured in units of length, such as
metres (m) or centimetres (cm)
+2 ×5 Place value: the value of a digit determined by its
position. For example, in 830 the 3 has a value of
10 12 7 35 3 tens (30).

–2 ÷5
100s 10s 1s
Isosceles triangle: a triangle with exactly two equal
sides and two equal angles 8 3 0
Likely: there is a high chance that an outcome
will happen
Positive number: a number that is greater than zero
Line graph: a graph that uses one or more lines to
join points which represent a data set −10 0 10
Line of symmetry: the line that could be drawn on a
negative numbers positive numbers
shape or pattern so that the shape or pattern on one
side of the line exactly mirrors the other side of the line

2 Cambridge Primary Mathematics 5 – Wood & Low © Cambridge University Press 2021
CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY MATHEMATICS 5: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

Prime number: a number with exactly two factors, Scalene triangle: a triangle with no equal sides and
for example, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, … no equal angles
Remember: 1 is not a prime number. It has only one Sequence: an ordered set of numbers, shapes or other
factor: 1. mathematical objects arranged according to a rule;
Product: the answer when two or more numbers are for example:
multiplied together; for example: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, … or ∙ ○ Δ ∙ ○ Δ ∙ …
the product of 3 and 5 is 15 because 3 × 5 = 15 Simulation: a model of a real activity created to solve
Proper fraction: a fraction smaller than a whole; the a problem
numerator is smaller than the denominator, Spatial pattern: a pattern that includes drawings, for
for example 2 example these patterns form square numbers:
5
Proportion: a portion or part of a whole. Proportion
compares part to whole.

1 4 9 16
We say, ‘1 in every 4 squares is grey’ or ‘1 out of every or
4 squares is grey’.
Ratio: a comparison between two or more quantities.
Ratio compares part to part.
1 4 9 16

Square number: a number you get when you


multiply an integer by itself; for example, 16 is a
We say, ‘for every 1 grey square, there are 3 white square number 4 × 4 = 42 = 16
squares’.
Reflex angle: an angle that is greater than 180 degrees
and less than 360 degrees
Regroup: to change the way a number is written.
For example, you can write 456 = 400 + 50 + 6 or
you can change it to 400 + 40 + 10 + 6.
Repeated addition: a process of repeatedly adding Statistical question: a question that can have different
the same number that can be used as a strategy for answers, so you need to collect data to be able to
multiplication; for example, answer it
1
×4=4 Symbol: a thing that represents or stands for
5 5
something else; for example, a ∙, ○ or Δ could stand
+ 15 + 15 + 15 + 15 for a missing number
Symmetrical: a shape, pattern or picture with one
side that exactly mirrors the other
0 1 2 3 4 5
5 5 5 5 5 Tenth: one part in ten equal parts. As a decimal it is
written as 0.1.
Round: change a number to a simpler value when an
Term: an item in a sequence. For example, in the
accurate answer is not needed
sequence 4, 7, 10, 13, … the second term is 7.
Round to the nearest …: you can round a number
Term-to-term rule: a rule you can use to find out how
to the nearest whole number (10, 100 and so on).
to get from one term to the next. For example, in the
For example: 65.8 rounded to the nearest whole
sequence 7, 10, 13, … the term-to-term rule is ‘add 3’.
number is 66.
Time interval: the amount of time that passes
65.8 between two times
rounds up to 66 Time zone: a region of the world that shares a
common time
65 65.1 65.2 65.3 65.4 65.5 65.6 65.7 65.8 65.9 66
Translation: to move a shape horizontally and/or
65.8 is closer to 66 than to 65
vertically without rotating or flipping it

3 Cambridge Primary Mathematics 5 – Wood & Low © Cambridge University Press 2021
CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY MATHEMATICS 5: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

Triangular number: triangular numbers can be shown Universal time (UT): a time standard originally
as patterns of dots arranged as a triangle. Each row measured at Greenwich, England. It is also called
contains one extra dot. For example, 1, 3, 6, 10, … Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Unlikely: there is a low chance that an outcome
will happen
Venn diagram: a diagram using hoops to sort items
such as objects, shapes or numbers. It can show the
relationship between up to three sets of items.
Waffle diagram: a rectangular grid that represents
Unit fraction: a fraction with a numerator of 1, for proportions in data to show percentages and
proportions of the whole sample or population
example 1 or 1
2 5

4 Cambridge Primary Mathematics 5 – Wood & Low © Cambridge University Press 2021

Common questions

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Dot plots are particularly advantageous when dealing with small to moderately sized data sets where individual data values are significant. They allow for a clear visual distribution of individual frequencies of occurrences and are easy to interpret, as each dot represents one occurrence. This can be useful in scenarios like displaying test scores or other discrete data points where detailed inspection of data distribution is required. Unlike bar charts, which are suitable for categorical data, or line graphs, which are ideal for trends over time, dot plots emphasize exact numbers, making them ideal for data sets that need precise data point visualization rather than summarization .

The distributive law allows for the simplification of complex multiplication problems by breaking one of the numbers into addends, multiplying each addend separately by the second number, and then adding the results. For example, to compute 16 × 4, you can apply the distributive law by breaking 16 into 10 and 6. Then multiply: 10 × 4 = 40 and 6 × 4 = 24. Adding these two products results in 64, which simplifies the multiplication process especially when dealing with large numbers or mental math .

Inverse operations are crucial in algebra as they provide methods to isolate variables and solve equations efficiently. They rely on the principle that operations can be reversed; for instance, addition can be undone by subtraction and multiplication by division. In solving the equation x + 7 = 10, the inverse operation of subtracting 7 from both sides isolates x, giving x = 3. Similarly, for 5x = 20, dividing both sides by 5 resolves to x = 4. Inverse operations ensure the manipulation of equations while preserving equality, enabling systematic solutions to algebraic expressions .

Decimal place value and rounding are pivotal in scientific calculations for managing precision and avoiding overstating the accuracy of results. Decimal place value specifies the precision of a number by how many digits are included after the decimal point, influencing data accuracy. Rounding is used to simplify numbers by trimming unnecessary digits, reducing complexity without significantly affecting precision. For example, if a measurement is 3.1456 meters, rounding to two decimal places results in 3.15 meters, balancing accuracy and simplicity. This practice is essential in scientific calculations where further precision must match the resolution of the measuring instrument .

A line of symmetry in geometry is a line that divides a shape into two identical parts, where each part is a mirror image of the other. This concept is crucial for understanding balance and form in geometric figures. For example, an equilateral triangle has three lines of symmetry, each bisecting the triangle and dividing it into two congruent triangles. The line of symmetry helps in constructing geometric shapes and analyzing their properties .

Ratio and proportion both deal with relationships between numbers, but they differ in what they compare. A ratio compares part-to-part relations, like comparing the number of blue marbles to red marbles. For example, 'for every 1 grey square, there are 3 white squares' represents a ratio . Proportion, on the other hand, is a part-to-whole comparison, such as stating '1 out of every 4 squares is grey' . In real-world problems, ratios can be used in recipes to maintain ingredient consistency, while proportions can solve problems like scale models or probability calculations in statistics.

A frequency diagram, unlike a bar chart, is specifically used for continuous data by organizing information into bars that represent the frequencies of ranges or intervals without gaps between them. This provides a clear representation of the distribution and patterns within continuous data such as measurements. The absence of gaps in a frequency diagram helps to visually convey the continuity of the data, distinguishing it from a bar chart which commonly represents categorical data with distinct gaps. This ability to depict distributions over intervals makes frequency diagrams particularly useful in statistical analysis and in illustrating phenomena such as trends over time .

Teaching integer operations through intervals on a number line visually demonstrates concepts of addition, subtraction, and absolute value, enhancing comprehension by providing a spatial understanding of operations. By using a number line, students can see the physical representation of moving right or left for positive and negative operations, respectively, which concretizes abstract concepts such as subtracting a negative number. This method helps demystify operations involving negatives and reinforces the relational nature of numbers, promoting a deeper understanding and retention. It turns abstract arithmetic into a kinetic visual exercise, crucial for intuitive mathematical reasoning .

The associative law facilitates complex operations by allowing the grouping of numbers to be rearranged without changing the result, which is particularly useful in simplifying calculations and reducing computational steps. For instance, when adding more than two numbers, such as 11 + 4 + 5, the associative law allows you to group the numbers as (11 + 4) + 5 or 11 + (4 + 5) to simplify the calculation. Similarly, in multiplication, 5 × 2 × 3 can be calculated as (5 × 2) × 3 or 5 × (2 × 3) due to the associative property, making it flexible to choose the most convenient computational order .

Understanding triangular numbers helps reveal the structure and formation of arithmetic sequences through their graphical representation and summation properties. Triangular numbers are formed by arranging dots into equilateral triangles, and the nth triangular number can be determined by the formula n(n + 1)/2. For instance, the sequence 1, 3, 6, 10, ... represents triangular numbers and grows by successive integer increments. Recognizing this folding pattern aids in identifying arithmetic sequences in nature and calculations, highlighting how numbers can physically and visually accumulate into geometric forms .

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