Maths Terms for 11-13 Yr Olds

A diagram showing a relationship between variables. Adjective: graphical. A graph showing information that isn't continuous is often called a 'chart' instead.

An equation that holds for all values of the variables, as opposed to a normal equation which has only one or two fixed solutions. An equals sign with three horizontal lines rather than two is sometimes used when writing an identity. For example the identity below is true no matter what the values of a and b are.

Statements such as b > c are inequalities.

They differ from equations in that they don't have equals signs and don't have fixed solutions, only boundary solutions. For example in the above it is known that b must be at least greater than c, but how much greater is not known. Boundary solutions to inequalities can be indicated graphically using shading.

The value of the non-zero coordinate of the point where a line on a graph cuts an axis. The y intercept is given the symbol c in straight line graphs of the form y = mx + c.

In algebra, an adjective describing an expression, equation or relationship of degree one. Example: 2x + 3y = 7 is a linear equation. This linear equation with its two variables, x and y, can be represented as a straight line graph. The relationship between x and y is linear.

Any convention for recording mathematical ideas in writing and symbols. Example: Money is recorded using decimal notation e.g. £2.50.

A fixed point from which measurements are taken. See also Cartesian co-ordinate system. On a graph the origin is normally given by the point at which the x axis meets the y axis, at the co-ordinate (0,0).

A systematic arrangement of numbers, shapes, values or other objects according to a rule.

The process of marking points. Points are usually defined by co-ordinates and plotted with reference to a given coordinate system. Noun - a collection of these points on a graph.

A chain of reasoning that establishes the truth of a proposition.