Preschool Pattern Game - Nature Patterns

Maths Terminology

Maths Terminology

Using terminology correctly with your child will help them excel in maths and develop a secure understanding of mathematical concepts. Take a look at this list of terminology which is included in the Preschool Number Activity Cards, Preschool Shape, Measure and Pattern Activity CardsReception Number Activity CardsReception Shape, Measure and Pattern Activity Cards, Year 1 Number Activity Cards and Year 1 Shape, Measure and Pattern Activity Cards.
  • 2D shape - a flat shape, e.g. square, rectangle, triangle, circle 

  • 3D shape - a solid shape you can touch and feel, e.g. cube, cuboid, pyramid, sphere 

  • 100 square - a large square divided into 100 smaller squares filled with the numerals 1-100
  • Addition - combining two, or more, amounts to make a larger amount

  • Array - a group of dots, pictures or objects arranged in rows and columns  

  • Calculation - a number sentence made up of numbers and signs. It can contain any of the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division 

  • Capacity - the amount an object can hold
  • Cardinality - the quantity a numeral represents, sometimes referred to as 'howmanyness' 

  • Composition of number - the idea that all numbers are made up of two, or more, smaller numbers 

  • Commutative calculation - a calculation where the numbers can be swapped around, but the answer remains the same. Subtraction and division calculations are not commutative

  • Corner - the point where two sides meet on a 2D or 3D shape 

  • Digit - a single numeral, e.g. the 5 in 156

  • Double facts - an addition calculation where a number is added to itself, e.g. 1 + 1 = 2

  • Even number - a number that can be divided into two equal parts 

  • Fewest - the group which contains fewer than any other 

  • Five frame - a rectangle, split into five equal squares, used for counting 

  • Half - splitting an amount or object into two equal parts

  • Inverse - the opposite of another operation. Subtraction is the inverse of addition and division is the inverse of multiplication

  • Irregular shape - a shape with unequal sides and angles 

  • Length - how long or short an object is
  • Maths sentence - a calculation made up of numbers and signs. It can contain any of the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

  • Most - the group which contains more than any other

  • Multiple - A number that can be divided by another number without any remainder
  • Number - a value or amount; may be a word, picture or digit

  • Number bond - two numbers that add together to make a larger number

  • Numeral - a single digit, or group of digits, use to represent a number, e.g. 156

  • Odd number - a number that cannot be divided into two equal parts 

  • Quarter - splitting an amount or object into four equal parts

  • Regular shape - a shape with equal sides and angles 

  • Repeating pattern - a pattern made up of two or more alternating parts, e.g. red, blue, red, blue

  • Side - a line that joins two corners on a 2D or 3D shape 

  • Spatial word - a word to describe the position of a person or object, e.g. above, below, in, on
  • Subitise - the ability to look at a small number of objects, or images, and recognise the amount without counting

  • Subtraction - taking one amount away from another to make a smaller amount

  • Tangram - a puzzle made up of seven shapes which are put together to make a square
  • Ten frame - a rectangle, spilt into two rows of five equal squares, used for counting 

  • Weight - how heavy or light an object is