Math Symbols and Operations - English Vocabulary Guide
Math Symbols and Operations
English Vocabulary Guide
This vocabulary lesson covers the English terms for basic mathematical symbols and operations. You'll learn how to read equations aloud and understand the related verbs and nouns.
Note: In British English we say "maths" (with an 's'), while in American English it's "math" (without the 's').
The Four Basic Operations
1. Addition (+)
How to say it: "4 plus 6 equals 10"
4 + 6 = 10 → "Four plus six equals ten"
Verb: add (add number to number)
Example: "If you add four to six, you get ten."
Noun: addition
Term for answer: sum ("The sum of 4 and 6 is 10")
2. Subtraction (-)
How to say it: "8 minus 3 equals 5"
8 - 3 = 5 → "Eight minus three equals five"
Verb: subtract (subtract number from number)
Example: "If you subtract 3 from 8, you get 5."
Alternative verb: take away ("Take 3 away from 8")
Noun: subtraction
3. Multiplication (×)
How to say it: "6 multiplied by 4 equals 24" OR "6 times 4 equals 24"
6 × 4 = 24 → "Six times four equals twenty-four"
Verb: multiply (multiply number by number)
Example: "If you multiply 6 by 4, you get 24."
Noun: multiplication
Term for answer: product ("The product of 6 and 4 is 24")
4. Division (÷)
How to say it: "15 divided by 3 equals 5"
15 ÷ 3 = 5 → "Fifteen divided by three equals five"
Verb: divide (divide number by number)
Example: "If you divide 15 by 3, you get 5."
Noun: division
Quick Reference Guide
Addition
"4 plus 6"
Subtraction
"8 minus 3"
Multiplication
"6 times 4"
Division
"15 divided by 3"
Equality
"equals 10"
Result of addition
"The sum is 10"
Practice Examples
Try reading these aloud:
1. 7 + 5 = 12 → "Seven plus five equals twelve"
2. 9 - 2 = 7 → "Nine minus two equals seven"
3. 5 × 6 = 30 → "Five times six equals thirty"
4. 20 ÷ 4 = 5 → "Twenty divided by four equals five"
Remember: The word "by" is used with both multiplication and division verbs:
"Multiply 5 by 6"
"Divide 20 by 4"