- Definition
A "term" is a single number or a group of numbers and letters multiplied together within a larger math problem. For example, in "3 + 5," both "3" and "5" are terms.
In the addition problem 4 + 5, the numbers 4 and 5 are the terms.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A term is like one of the Lego bricks you use to build a math problem.
Ask your child: In the problem 2 + 3, what are the number bricks?
Common mix-up: Kids might think 'term' means the answer to the problem. A term is actually one of the numbers you start with, before you do the math.
Examples
- In the subtraction problem 8 − 3, the numbers 8 and 3 are the terms.
- In the number pattern 2, 4, 6, the numbers 2, 4, and 6 are all terms.
term is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
- Grade 8 The Arts
- Grade 1 Mathematics
- Grade 2 Mathematics
- Grade 3 Mathematics
- Grade 4 Mathematics
+37 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
