Mathematical Operations
Mathematical operations are the basic procedures we use to calculate, measure, and solve problems in everyday life and in more advanced fields. This guide covers the fundamental operations and key terms to help you describe calculations clearly.
Addition
Addition is combining two or more quantities to find their total amount. The symbol for addition is plus (+).
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Subtraction
Subtraction is taking one quantity away from another to find the difference. The symbol for subtraction is minus (−).
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Multiplication
Multiplication is repeated addition of the same number, used to find the total of groups of equal size. The symbol for multiplication can be ×, *, or ·.
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Division
Division splits a quantity into equal parts or determines how many times one number fits into another. Common symbols for division are ÷ and /.
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Vocabulary
Key vocabulary helps you describe and perform mathematical operations precisely. This table lists common terms in English.
| English Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| add | addition |
| subtract | subtraction |
| multiply | multiplication |
| divide | division |
| sum | total |
| difference | remainder |
| product | factor |
| quotient | divisor |
| more than | less than |
| increased by | decreased by |
| twice | half |
| English Example | English Explanation |
|---|---|
| ➕ Can you add these two numbers? | Asking to find the sum of two numbers. |
| ➖ I subtracted five from ten. | Describing taking one number away from another. |
| ✖️ They multiplied three by four. | Saying that one number was times another. |
| ➗ Divide twenty by five, please. | Requesting to split a number into equal parts. |
| = The sum equals fifteen. | Stating the result of an addition. |
| What is the difference? | Asking for the result of a subtraction. |
| The product is thirty. | Giving the result of a multiplication. |
| The quotient is four. | Giving the result of a division. |
| Remainder | The amount left over after division. |
| Equation | A math statement showing equality. |
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Summary
Mathematical operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, each with specific symbols and terminology. Mastering these basic operations and their vocabulary allows you to describe calculations clearly and solve problems efficiently.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025