Math Fundamentals 101

addition

A mathematical operation that combines two separate quantities into one sum. Addition is indicated by a plus sign (+).

algebra

A branch of mathematics that uses known quantities to find unknown quantities. In algebra, letters, such as x and y, are sometimes used in place of unknown numbers.

arithmetic

The branch of mathematics that involves basic operations. Arithmetic includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

calculus

A branch of mathematics that measures changes in one quantity in relation to another. Calculus is used for functions involving curves.

cube

A number with an exponent of three. The cube of a number is equal to the number multiplied by itself three times.

division

A mathematical operation that separates a quantity into multiple smaller quantities of equal value. Division is the opposite of multiplication.

exponents

A number that indicates how many times a given number is multiplied by itself. Exponents are also known as powers.

fraction

A mathematical expression that uses two numbers separated by a line to indicate a certain amount of parts of a whole number. In a fraction, the first number indicates the number of parts and the second number indicates the size of each part.

geometry

The branch of mathematics that involves the measurements, properties, and relationships of all shapes and sizes of things. Geometry topics include lines, angles, circles, and triangles.

grouping symbols

A mathematical symbol, used in pairs to change the order of operations. Grouping symbols include parentheses ( ), brackets [ ], and braces { }.

integers

A whole number or its negative equivalent. The numbers -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, and 3 are all integers.

mathematics

The study of numbers and quantities and their relationships. Mathematics requires an understanding of the logic and rules used to solve numerical problems.

multiplication

A mathematical operation that adds a number to itself. Multiplication is the opposite of division.

negative

Having a numerical value less than zero. Negative numbers, such as -1, -2, and -3, have a minus sign (-) in front of them.

number line

A line on which numbers are marked at intervals in order from least to greatest. On a number line, numbers with lesser values are placed to the left and numbers with greater values are placed to the right.

order of operations

The sequence in which mathematical operations must be performed in order to reach the correct answer. The order of operations states that exponent and root calculations must be performed first, then multiplication and division, and finally addition and subtraction.

powers

A number that indicates how many times a given number is multiplied by itself. Powers are also known as exponents.

print

A document containing the instructions and drawings used to manufacture a part. Using prints effectively requires a good understanding of math.

roots

A number that, when multiplied by itself a specified number of times, results in a given number. For example, the fourth root of 625 is 5 because 5 multiplied by itself 4 times equals 625.

square

A number with an exponent of two. The square of a number is equal to the number multiplied by itself one time.

square root

A number that, when multiplied by itself one time, results in a given number. For example, the square root of 64 is 8.

subtraction

A mathematical operation that takes one quantity away from another quantity . Subtraction is indicated by the minus sign (-).

trigonometry

A branch of mathematics that deals with the measurements and relationships of triangles and their parts. Trigonometry involves calculating the angles and sides of triangles.

zero

The integer indicating the absence of a quantity or amount. On a number line, zero indicates the point where negative numbers change into positive numbers.

zero

The integer that indicates the absence of a quantity or amount. On a number line, zero separates negative numbers from positive numbers.