Download Basic Math Vocabulary and Properties

Basic Math Vocabulary
AddendThe numbers you add.
Ex. 2+3=5, both the numbers 2 and 3 are addends.
SumThe answer to an addition problem.
Ex. 2+3=5, the number 5 is the sum.
MinuendThe first term in a subtraction problem.
Ex. 5-3=2, the number 5 is the minuend.
SubtrahendThe second term in a subtraction problem.
Ex. 5-3=2, the number 3 is the subtrahend.
DifferenceThe answer to a subtraction problem.
Ex. 5-3=2, the number 2 is the difference.
FactorThe numbers you multiply.
Ex. 5x3=15, both the numbers 5 and 3 are factors.
ProductThe answer to a multiplication problem.
Ex. 5x3=15, the number 15 is the product.
DividendThe number that is divided. The first, or the top, or inside number.
Ex. 15÷3=5, or
15
3
= 5, 𝑜𝑟
the number 15 is the dividend.
DivisorThe number that is divided into another number. The second, or bottom, or outside number.
Ex. 15÷3=5, or
15
3
= 5, 𝑜𝑟
the number 3 is the divisor.
QuotientThe answer to a division problem.
Ex. 15÷3=5, or
15
3
= 5, 𝑜𝑟
the number 5 is the quotient.
Inverse OperationsReverse or Opposite operations that “undo” each other or cancels each other out.
Addition and Subtraction are inverse (opposite) operations.
Ex.
2+3=5
5-3=2
Multiplication and Division are inverse (opposite) operations.
Ex.
8x3=24
24÷3=8
VariablesLetters used to represent numbers.
Ex. a+b
a+3=8
Fact FamilyA group of three (3) numbers related by addition/subtraction or by multiplication/division.
Ex.
Ex.
Addition fact family for the numbers 2, 3, and 5 is:
2+3=5
5-3=2
3+2=5
5-2=3
Multiplication fact family for the numbers 3, 5, and 15 is:
5x3=15
15÷3=5
3x5=15
15÷5=3
Absolute ValueThe distance a number is from zero. It is ALWAYS positive, because distance cannot be negative.
Ex.
|-4|=4
|4|=4
both are 4 units or spaces from zero on the number line.
Properties of Addition and Multiplication
Commutative Property of Addition –
Switching the order of the addends does not change the answer (or the sum).
Ex.
2+3=5
or
2+3=3+2
3+2=5
Commutative Property of Multiplication –
Switching the order of the factors does not change the answer (or the product).
Ex.
2x3=6
or
2x3=3x2
3x2=6
Associative Property of Addition –
Changing the grouping, or parentheses, of the addends does not change the answer (or the sum).
Note: It must involve 3 or more numbers and parentheses.
Ex.
(2+3) + 4 = 9
or
(2+3) + 4 = 2 + (3+4)
2 + (3+4) = 9
Associative Property of Multiplication –
Changing the grouping, or parentheses, of the factors does not change the answer (or the product).
Note: It must involve 3 or more numbers and parentheses.
Ex.
(2x3) x 4 = 24
or
(2x3) x 4 = 2 x (3x4)
2 x (3x4) = 24
Identity Property of Addition –
Adding zero (0) to a number or variable does not change the number or variable.
**Zero is the additive identity.
Ex.
2+0=2
a+0=a
Identity Property of Multiplication –
Multiplying one (1) times a number or variable does not change the number or variable.
**One is the multiplicative identity.
Ex.
2x1=2
ax1=a
Zero Property of Multiplication –
Multiplying zero (0) times a number or a variable gives an answer of zero, ALWAYS.
Ex.
2x0=0
ax0=0