Math Terms

2. a branch of mathematics that uses symbols or letters to represent variables, values or numbers, which can then be used to express operations and relationships and to solve equations
5. a smooth symmetrical curve with two branches produced by the section of a conical surface
7. a number that will divide into another number exactly, e.g. the factors of 10 are 1, 2 and 5
8. algebra: the area of modern mathematics that considers algebraic structures to be sets with operations defined on them, and extends algebraic concepts usually associated with the real number system to other more general systems, such as groups, rings, fields, modules and vector spaces
10. a member of, or an object in, a set
12. (infinitesimal calculus): a branch of mathematics involving derivatives and integrals, used to study motion and changing values

1. curve: the shape of the graph that indicates a normal distribution in probability and statistics
3. equation: a combination of numbers and letters equivalent to a sentence in language, e.g. y = x2 + 3x - 4
4. a step by step procedure by which an operation can be carried out
6. number: a real number which expresses fractions on the base 10 standard numbering system using place value, e.g. 37⁄100 = 0.37
9. probability: a popular interpretation of probability which evaluates the probability of a hypothesis by specifying some prior probability, and then updating in the light of new relevant data
11. theory: the mathematical field that studies the algebraic structures and properties of groups and the mappings between them