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C

Circular

In the form of a circle; perfectly round in two-dimensions.

Circumference

The length of a circle (its perimeter). If the radius of a circle is r units, and the diameter d units, then the circumference is 2

?r, or ?d units. For a sphere the circumference is the length of a 'great circle' on the sphere - this is like the equator on our planet.

Clockwise

In the direction in which the hands of clock travel, and the direction bearings and angles are usually measured. Anti-clockwise or counter-clockwise are terms used for the opposite direction.

Co-ordinate

A position in 2D or 3D space, represented by numbers, letters or both. See 'Cartesian co-ordinates'.

Coefficient

Often used for the numerical coefficient. More generally, a factor of an algebraic term. Example: in the term 4xy, 4 is the numerical coefficient of xy but x is also the coefficient of 4y and y is the coefficient of 4x.

Common Fraction

A fraction where the numerator and denominator are both integers. Also known as a simple or vulgar fraction. Contrast with a compound or complex fraction where the numerator or denominator or both contain fractions. See also decimal fraction.

Complementary Numbers

Two angles with the sum of 90 degrees

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Compound Measures

Measures with two or more dimensions. Examples: speed calculated as distance

÷ time; density calculated as mass ÷ volume; car efficiency measured as litres per 100 kilometres; and rate of inflation measured as percentage increase in prices.

Concave

Adjective to describe a line or surface curving inwards (like the shape of a cave). A concave polygon has at least one re-entrant angle i.e. one interior angle greater than 180 degrees

 

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Concentric

Used to describe circles that have the same centre, e.g. in some castles two turrets are built around each other for double the protection; their cross sections will form concentric circles.

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