4th Grade Math Vocabulary: Definitions and Examples

What Are Some Ways My Child Can Practice 4th Grade Math Vocabulary?

You might not think of vocabulary as a major part of 4th grade math, but a strong knowledge of terminology can help students and teachers communicate better about math topics. For example, if your child's class is learning about fractions, but he or she doesn't know what a numerator or denominator is, your child may not be able to comprehend the lesson.

Your child can practice vocabulary by labeling different parts of math problems. For example, when studying long division, you might have your child label the divisor, dividend, quotient and remainder. This repeated practice can help him or her become more familiar with the words. In addition, you can encourage your child to keep a math dictionary for terms that are unfamiliar or confusing. For the best practice, your child should write definitions in his or her own words using examples that make sense to him or her.

Before a test, you can help your child review by creating a math vocabulary matching game. Write a vocabulary word on one card and put a correlating example on another card. For example, if the vocabulary card says 'numerator,' you could write a fraction on the other card and circle the numerator. Your child can match up the appropriate cards to practice his or her math vocabulary.

4th Grade Math Vocabulary

Division

Dividend

The number that is being divided. In the problem 4 ÷ 2, four is the dividend.

Divisor

The number that another number is being divided by. In the problem 3 ÷ 5, five is the divisor.

Quotient

The solution to a division problem. For the equation 8 ÷ 4 = 2, two is the quotient.

Remainder

A number left over after solving a division problem. In the problem 13 ÷ 3, three goes into 13 four times (because 3 x 4 = 12). However, there is still one number - or remainder (R) - left over. The answer is 4 R1.

Geometry

Acute Angle

An angle that is less than 90 degrees but greater than zero degrees. For example, angles that are 13 degrees, 50 degrees or even 89 degrees are all acute.

Obtuse Angle

An angle that is larger than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. Examples include angles that are 100 degrees, 135 degrees and 170 degrees.

Right Angle

An angle that is exactly 90 degrees. A right angle is often notated with a small box in the corner.