Math Terms

One of the most important factors for succeeding in math is mastering math terms. Teachers comment on how regrettable it is that a student, who would ordinarily have the intellectual ability to succeed in math, ends up with dismal grades simply because he or she did not know what the teacher was talking about all semester. Although math terms are usually taught as the concepts are introduced, it is helpful to give each student a glossary of math terms so they can always use it as needed. Glossaries of math terms can be found in the internet.

Although most math terms in the area of geometry employ words used in everyday life, the student also needs to master the concepts that make the words math terms. A line, for instance, is just a line on a piece of paper. As a geometrical entity, it is important to understand that a line stretches infinitely in each direction. A point is not just a point, but needs to be distinguished from an endpoint. A point can be anywhere in a line, but the “line” as it exists between two endpoints is a segment, which is a different entity from a line. A “line” with only one endpoint is called a “ray”. These math terms need to be demonstrated on paper so the student can comprehend the concepts that lie behind them.

Algebraic math terms must often be grasped without the help of illustrations, it is very essential that they are understood thoroughly, because algebraic math terms accumulate like building blocks. Basic algebraic math terms such absolute value, integer, variable, and exponent are usually introduced in the first lesson.

A good way of reviewing math terms is to ask the student to explain a math term to another student. Often is easy for a student to believe that he or she understands a concept, but explaining a concept is a true test of knowledge. Math terms should be included in all quizzes so a student will be aware of what math terms need to be reviewed.