NB Francophone G3 Math key terms

The value a digit has because of the position it holds in a number. In 472, the 4 is worth 400, the 7 is worth 70, and the 2 is worth 2.

A way of writing a number as the sum of the values of each of its digits, such as 300 + 50 + 6 for 356. It shows clearly how place value works.

The usual way of writing a number using digits only, with each digit in its correct place-value position, for example 508 or 1290.

The place-value position three steps to the left of the ones place. One hundred is a group of ten tens, and it is written with a 1 in the hundreds place.

The place-value position two steps to the left of the ones place. One ten is a group of ten ones, and it is written with a 1 in the tens place.

Deciding which of two numbers is greater or smaller, then arranging several numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least. Symbols such as <, >, and = show the result.

A straight line on which numbers are placed in order at equal spacing. It helps with counting, comparing, ordering, rounding, and adding or subtracting by moving forward or backward.

Replacing a number with a nearby number that is easier to work with, usually a multiple of ten or one hundred. The digit in the next place decides whether to round up or stay.

Finding a number that is close enough to the exact answer, often by rounding or by using friendly numbers. It helps check whether a computed answer is reasonable.

The result of adding two or more numbers together. In 45 + 38 = 83, the sum is 83.

The result of subtracting one number from another. In 92 - 47 = 45, the difference is 45.

Trading ten units in one place-value position for one unit in the next position, or the reverse, so that addition or subtraction can be completed. Often called carrying or borrowing.

Computing an answer in your head without writing the standard algorithm, often by breaking numbers apart, using doubles, or making friendly numbers such as multiples of ten.

Adjusting numbers to make a calculation easier, then correcting the answer. For example, to add 39, add 40 and subtract 1.

The result of multiplying two or more numbers. In 6 x 7 = 42, the product is 42, and it can be shown as an array or repeated groups.

One of the numbers being multiplied together to make a product. In 4 x 5 = 20, both 4 and 5 are factors.

An arrangement of objects in equal rows and columns that models multiplication. An array of 3 rows of 4 objects shows 3 x 4 = 12.

The result of dividing one number by another. In 24 divided by 6 equals 4, the quotient is 4.

The amount left over when a number cannot be divided exactly by another. Dividing 17 objects into groups of 5 gives 3 groups with a remainder of 2.

An operation that splits a quantity into equal groups or finds how many equal groups fit into a quantity. It undoes multiplication and can leave a remainder.

A number that names part of a whole or part of a set, written as one number over another. The bottom number tells how many equal parts there are in all.

The top number of a fraction. It tells how many equal parts are being described or counted, as the 3 in three fourths.

The bottom number of a fraction. It tells the total number of equal parts the whole was split into, as the 4 in three fourths.

Different fractions that name the same amount, such as one half and two fourths. They describe the same portion of a whole even though the numbers differ.

A number written with a decimal point to show parts of a whole based on tenths, hundredths, and so on. The decimal 0.5 equals one half.

The equal parts you get when a whole is split into ten pieces. One tenth is written as 1/10 or 0.1, and ten tenths make one whole.

A sequence in which a core group of items or numbers repeats in the same order again and again, such as red, blue, blue, red, blue, blue. The repeating unit is called the core.

A sequence that increases or decreases by a consistent amount or rule each step, such as 3, 6, 9, 12. The change from one term to the next follows a rule.

A statement that describes how a pattern is built, such as start at 5 and add 4 each time. It lets you predict terms that come later in the sequence.

A value in a number sentence that is not yet known and must be found, often shown by a box or a letter. In 8 + n = 15, n is the unknown.

A number sentence stating that two expressions are equal, joined by an equals sign. Solving it means finding the value that makes both sides balance.

The idea that both sides of an equation have the same total value, like a level scale. Changing one side requires an equal change to the other to keep it balanced.

The total distance around the outside edge of a flat shape. It is found by adding the lengths of all the sides, measured in units such as centimetres.

A standard amount used to report a measurement, such as centimetre, metre, gram, kilogram, or litre. Choosing a sensible unit depends on the size of the object.

The measurement of how long or how tall something is, from one end to the other. Common units include millimetres, centimetres, metres, and kilometres.

The measurement of how much matter an object contains, often felt as its heaviness. Common units include grams and kilograms, measured with a balance or scale.

The measurement of how much a container can hold, such as a bottle or a bucket. Common units include millilitres and litres.

The amount of time that passes between a starting moment and an ending moment. It is found by counting forward on a clock or subtracting the start time from the end time.

A measurement of how hot or cold something is, read with a thermometer and reported in degrees Celsius. Water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

A quality of a shape that can be folded along a line so that the two halves match exactly. The fold line is called the line of symmetry.

A straight line drawn through a shape so that folding along it makes the two parts coincide exactly. A square has four such lines; a circle has infinitely many.

A feature used to describe and sort shapes and objects, such as number of sides, number of faces, or size of angles. Comparing attributes helps identify and classify figures.

A flat figure having length and width but no thickness, such as a triangle, square, rectangle, or circle. Its parts include sides, vertices, and angles.

A solid figure having length, width, and height, such as a cube, prism, cylinder, cone, or sphere. It is described by faces, edges, and vertices.

Having exactly the same size and shape. Two figures are congruent if one can be moved, turned, or flipped to fit exactly on the other.

A quick way of recording counts by drawing short strokes in groups, usually grouped in fives with a diagonal stroke. Tallies are then totalled to build a table or graph.

A table that lists categories or values alongside the number of times each one occurs. It organizes raw data so patterns and comparisons are easier to see.

A graph that uses bars of equal width to show how many items fall in each category. The height or length of each bar represents the count.

A graph that uses pictures or symbols to stand for quantities. A key explains how many items each symbol represents, which may be more than one.

How probable it is that an event will happen, described with words such as impossible, unlikely, equally likely, likely, or certain. It helps compare possible outcomes.

One possible result of an action or experiment, such as getting heads when flipping a coin. Listing all outcomes helps describe how likely each one is.

A measure of how likely an event is, ranging from 0 for impossible to 1 for certain. It can be described with fractions, decimals, or words.

A planned approach chosen to solve a problem, such as drawing a diagram, making a table, working backward, or guessing and checking. Different strategies suit different problems.

Thinking logically about mathematical ideas to reach a conclusion, connect facts, and explain why an answer makes sense rather than simply stating it.

Explaining with evidence why an answer or method is correct, using numbers, words, diagrams, or known facts. Justifying is more than describing the steps taken.