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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© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition natural numbers counting numbers Example The set of natural (counting) numbers is: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ...}

Related links: Number theory — Simple number patterns

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition negative number a number less than zero, that is, a number to the left of zero on the number line as shown by the minus sign in front of the number Examples −3, −8, −1, −0.3, −236

Related links: Integers — What are directed numbers? Integers — Adding and subtracting integers Integers — Two signs together Integers — Multiplying integers Integers — Dividing integers Algebra — Substitution Manipulating algebra — Removing grouping symbols The number plane — Extending the number plane

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Term Definition net a diagram showing how the plane faces of a solid are joined to each other Examples Net of a square prism Net of a cylinder

Related links: Measuring solids — Surface area 3D shapes — Nets of solids

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Term Definition net mass the mass of the contents of a container only Example A jar of peanut butter is labelled 425 grams. This is the mass of the peanut butter only, not the jar.

Related links: Measuring solids — Mass

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Term Definition non-convex polygon a polygon in which at least one interior angle is reflex so that at least one diagonal lies outside the polygon; a concave (opposite of convex) polygon Examples A star shape; any shape where the sides fold back into the figure.

Related links: 2D shapes — Plane shapes 3D shapes — Classifying solids 3D shapes — Drawing solids

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Term Definition nonagon a nine-sided polygon (with nine angles) A regular nonagon has all sides and angles equal. Examples Regular nonagon Irregular nonagon

Related links: 2D shapes — Plane shapes

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Term Definition not equal to unequal value; represented by the symbol ≠ Example 14 + 51 ≠ 63

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Term Definition null set a set with no elements; an empty set You can use empty braces { } or the symbol to represent a null set.

Related links: Set theory — Introducing sets Set theory — Set relationships and Venn diagrams

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Term Definition number line a one-dimensional graph (straight line) where points correspond to numbers

Related links: Fractions — What is a fraction? Fractions — Comparing and ordering fractions Decimals — Ordering decimals Decimals — Dividing by a decimal Decimals — Rounding decimals Percentages — Changing decimals to percentages Percentages — Common conversions Integers — What are directed numbers? Integers — Adding and subtracting integers Integers — Two signs together Integers — Multiplying integers Chance — The language of chance Equations and inequalities — Inequalities The number plane — Plotting positive integers

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Term Definition number pattern any group of numbers that follows a special rule By recognising the rule, the next number in the pattern can be found. Example The rule for the numbers in the pattern 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 is that they are increasing by 3, therefore the next number in the pattern will be 15 + 3 = 18.

Related links: Number theory — Simple number patterns Number theory — Further patterns in numbers Integers — Two signs together Algebra — Recognising patterns Algebra — Number patterns and pronumerals Algebra — Patterns on the number grid

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Term Definition number plane a plane on which every point is related to a pair of numbers called coordinates

Related links: Algebra — Patterns on the number grid The number plane — Plotting positive integers The number plane — Extending the number plane The number plane — Graphs from equations The number plane — Equations from lines The number plane — Comparing lines and equations The number plane — Intersecting lines

© 2007 HOTmaths Pty Ltd

Term Definition numeral a symbol that represents a number

Related links: Whole numbers — Ancient number systems Whole numbers — Roman and Greek numerals Whole numbers — Place value and expanded notation Whole numbers — Index notation Fractions — Mixed numerals and improper fractions Fractions — Adding and subtracting fractions Fractions — Multiplying mixed numerals Decimals — Changing decimals to fractions

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Term Definition numerator the top part of a fraction