HOTmaths dictionary

This illustrated dictionary offers free access to over several hundred mathematical symbols, terms and definitions from the early secondary syllabus.

Select any letter to see examples of mathematical terms with clear explanations and helpful diagrams.

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Term	Definition
bar graph	a diagram in which horizontal rectangles are used to represent data

Related links:
Representing data — Divided bar graphs

Term	Definition
base (index notation)	the number or pronumeral that is being raised to a power

Related links:
Whole numbers — Place value and expanded notation
Whole numbers — Index notation
Algebra — What is algebra?

Term	Definition
base (number system)	the unit on which a number system is based Examples Our number system is a base-ten system: 10 means ten The binary number system is a base-two system: 10 means 2 The ancient Mayans used a base-twenty number system: means 20

Term

Definition

base (solids)

the face that gives the shape its name; the shape of the uniform cross-section

This is a triangular prism so the base is one of the triangular faces.

Related links:
Measuring solids — Volume of any prism
3D shapes — Classifying solids
3D shapes — Drawing solids

Term	Definition
base (triangle)	the side at right angles to the height Any side of a triangle can be its base.

Term

Definition

basic fraction

a fraction in which the numerator and denominator have no common factor other than 1, that is, they cannot be simplified

Related links:
Fractions — What is a fraction?

Term

Definition

bias

when one outcome is more likely than another

This spinner is biased toward orange.

Related links:
Chance — The language of chance
Chance — Probability

Term	Definition
biased sample	a sample that is not representative of the population from which it is taken Example Measuring the heights of professional basketball players to find the average height of humans

Related links:
Analysing data — The mean

Term	Definition
binary number system	base-two system with place values based on increasing powers of 2, rather than 10 Examples 10 = two 100 = four 1000 = eight

Term

Definition

bisect

divide into two equal parts

Related links:
Exploring geometry — Bisecting angles and intervals

Term	Definition
bisector	the line that divides an angle or interval into two equal parts

Related links:
Exploring geometry — Bisecting angles and intervals

Term	Definition
braces	grouping symbol { }

Term	Definition
brackets	grouping symbol [ ]

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