Math Terms & Word Problems
"Math Term Party"
Word problems take math equations and put them into words and sentences. They look different, but they can be solved the same as any other problem once you know how to translate them. This song defines the terms sum, difference, term, product, factor, quotient, coefficient, and variable. It also gives students some examples of these terms in action.
Ah, hello and welcome to the math term party. There’s many people here. We’re sure you’ll be able to find a common denominator. Carry on.
We're going to a party so you've gotta be prepared,
'Cause I heard that all the math terms will be there.
And in case they connect to make a word problem,
Now would be a great time to get to know all of them.
I'm the sum and I like to have fun,
I'm when two numbers are added and turn into one.
So... What's the sum of 1, 2 & 3?
That's 6.
"Come on, there's someone else you should meet."
I'm the difference, I'm what happens,
When numbers are together and they start subtracting.
The difference between 5 and 1 is 4.
"We've met a few people, let's go meet some more."
What's going on? I'm a term,
I can be a few different things so you should learn
A number, variable or a product,
Separated by a plus or minus, yeah you got it?
Like x + 2y + 5z
Each one of those is a term, that’s me!
Pardon me, I'm the product. I'm what arrives,
When two factors decide to multiply.
Like the product of 2 and 3 is 6.
"There's a few more party people to meet in the mix."
Like the quotient, there's no way to hide it,
I’m the result of when numbers are divided.
Last but not least, meet me the coefficient,
The number you see before a variable, listen:
I don't need a multiplication sign,
'Cause I'm always multiplied by anything I'm beside.
We're going to a party so you've gotta be prepared,
'Cause I heard that all the math terms will be there.
And in case they connect to make a word problem,
Now would be a great time to get to know all of them.
What is the sum of 10 and 1?
Well that's 10 + 1 = 11, I'm done.
Nope, how 'bout the difference between 5 and y?
Well that's 5 – y, so don't even try.
Well, what's the product of the terms 2 and 4?
2 · 4 = 8
But wait - see that in the parentheses: (2 + 5),
And that number 3 sitting right there on the side?
First, we find the sum, then find the product,
2 + 5 is 7, times 3, yeah I got it,
The 3 on the outside is the coefficient.
Well let's see how much you know about division.
What is the quotient of 12 and 4?
12 / 4 = 3, any more?
Nah, that's a wrap - you seem to know everybody,
Let's have a good time and get back to the party!
This song will teach you all the math terms you need to master word problems: sum, difference, term, product, factor, quotient, coefficient, and variable.
Some people get intimidated by word problems, but it is just a matter of figuring out what it’s asking you. If you know these math terms, it will be easy to translate.
What is the sum? The sum is the result of addition. If you see ‘find the sum’ in a word problem, it means you have to add.
For example: Find the sum of seven and sixteen.
7 + 16 = 23
For example: Find the sum of seven and sixteen.
7 + 16 = 23
What is the difference? The difference is the result of subtraction. If you see ‘find the difference’ in a word problem, it means you have to subtract.
For example: Find the difference between nine and two.
9 – 2 = 7
For example: Find the difference between nine and two.
9 – 2 = 7
All of these are math terms, but term has an additional, more specific meaning. A term is a number, variable, or product in an equation. Terms are separated from one another by plus or minus signs. "Like terms" are terms that include the same variable.
Can you group the like terms in this equation? 2x – 9y + 6x – 8 + y
Can you group the like terms in this equation? 2x – 9y + 6x – 8 + y
What is a product? A product is the result of multiplication. If you see ‘find the product’ in a word problem, it means you have to multiply.
For example: Find the product of six and fifteen.
6 · 15 = 90
For example: Find the product of six and fifteen.
6 · 15 = 90
What is a factor? A factor is a number that can be divided into another number evenly, without a remainder. If you multiply two numbers together, those numbers are factors of the product. Since every number can be divided by itself and by the number one, all numbers have at least two factors.
Two factors of 12 are 2 and 6, since you can multiply them to get 12 as the product. What are other factors of 12?
Two factors of 12 are 2 and 6, since you can multiply them to get 12 as the product. What are other factors of 12?
What is a quotient? A quotient is the result of division. If you see 'find the quotient' in a word problem, it means you have to divide.
For example: Find the quotient of thirty-six and nine.
36 ÷ 9 = 4
For example: Find the quotient of thirty-six and nine.
36 ÷ 9 = 4
What is a coefficient? A coefficient is a number attached to a variable. In the expression 9y + 7x –8, 9 and 7 are both coefficients.
Which number is the coefficient in this equation? 48 – 3x = 6
Which number is the coefficient in this equation? 48 – 3x = 6
What is a variable? A variable is an unknown number expressed by a letter. Any letter can be used as a variable, though you'll probably see x, y, z or a, b, c the most.
Which of these terms includes a variable? 6y – 17 = 43
Which of these terms includes a variable? 6y – 17 = 43
How about the sum of sixty-three and twenty-eight?
Can you find the difference between fifty-six and thirty-nine?
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