Mathematics Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on key maths terms: fractions, equations, perimeter, denominator and angles. B1–B2 level.
Keep building your mathematics vocabulary.
Mathematics Vocabulary — FAQ
In a fraction, the numerator is the number on top, showing how many parts you have. The denominator is the number on the bottom, showing how many equal parts the whole is divided into. For example, in 3/4 the numerator is 3 and the denominator is 4.
Perimeter is the total distance around the outside edge of a two-dimensional shape, measured in units of length. Area is the amount of surface a shape covers, measured in square units. A shape can have a large perimeter but a small area, or vice versa.
An equation is a mathematical statement that says two expressions are equal, joined by an equals sign (=). For example, 2 + 3 = 5 and x + 4 = 9 are equations. Solving an equation means finding the value or values that make it true.
A product is the result of multiplying numbers together, while a quotient is the result of dividing one number by another. For example, the product of 4 and 5 is 20, and the quotient of 20 divided by 5 is 4.
The radius of a circle is the distance from its centre to any point on its edge. The diameter is the distance straight across the circle through the centre, which is exactly twice the radius. So the diameter equals two times the radius.
An acute angle measures less than 90 degrees, a right angle measures exactly 90 degrees, and an obtuse angle measures more than 90 but less than 180 degrees. A straight angle measures exactly 180 degrees.
A factor is a whole number that divides exactly into another number with no remainder. For example, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12. Factors are useful for simplifying fractions and finding common values between numbers.
A multiple of a number is the result of multiplying that number by a whole number. For example, the multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16 and so on. The lowest common multiple is the smallest number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.
The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle and is always the side opposite the right angle. The Pythagorean theorem states that the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
A sum is the result of adding numbers together, while a difference is the result of subtracting one number from another. For example, the sum of 7 and 3 is 10, and the difference between 7 and 3 is 4.