Maths Terms for 11-13 Yr Olds

Symbol: l. A metric unit used for measuring volume or capacity. A litre is equivalent to 1000 cubic centimetres

The set of all points that satisfy given conditions. Example: in 3-D the locus of all points that are a given distance from a fixed point is a sphere. Plural: loci.

A characteristic of a body, relating to the amount of matter within it. Mass differs from weight, the force with which a body is attracted towards the earth’s centre. Whereas, under certain conditions, a body can become weightless, mass is constant. In a constant gravitational field weight is proportional to mass.

In the context of geometric figures this noun just means the process of measuring or calculating angles, lengths, areas and volumes.

Symbol: m. The base unit of length in SI ('Système International d.Unités' in French, also known as metric).

Units of measurement in the metric system. Metric units include the metre, centimetre, millimetre, kilometre, gram, kilogram, litre and millilitre. The metric system was developed in the 18th century in France. Most of the world now uses a modern form of metric units known as SI units (Système International d'Unités in French), especially in science and technology. Some exceptions exist, for example in the UK draught beer must be sold in pints, and speedometers must diplay miles per hour, which are imperial units.

An imperial measure of length. 1 mile = 1760 yards. Five miles is approximately 8 kilometres.

Prefix meaning 'one-thousandth'.

Symbol: ml. One thousandth of a litre.

Symbol: mm. One thousandth of a metre.