Math in first grade is all about building a strong foundation for future learning, and mastering first grade math vocabulary is a critical part of that journey. These key terms help young learners grasp concepts, solve problems confidently, and communicate their mathematical thinking.
This guide breaks down essential first grade math vocabulary into clear, easy-to-teach categories, making it simple for parents and teachers to support their students. Whether you’re reinforcing skills at home or planning classroom lessons, these terms align with Common Core and state standards to ensure success.
1. Math Vocabulary Words: Operations & Algebraic ThinkingThese terms help students master addition, subtraction, and early problem-solving.
TermDefinitionAddTo join two or more groups to find the total.AddendA number being added in an addition problem.AdditionCombining numbers to find a total.Associative PropertyGrouping addends differently without changing the sum (e.g., (2+3)+4 = 2+(3+4)).Bar ModelA visual tool using bars to represent math problems.Commutative PropertyChanging the order of addends doesn’t change the sum (e.g., 5+3 = 3+5).Count BackSubtracting by counting down (e.g., 7, 6, 5).Count OnAdding by counting up (e.g., 4, 5, 6).CountingSaying numbers in order.DifferenceThe answer in a subtraction problem.DoublesAdding a number to itself (e.g., 6 + 6).EqualHing the same value.EquationA math statement showing equality (e.g., 2 + 3 = 5).EquivalentDifferent expressions with the same value.EstimateA close guess (not exact).EvenNumbers divisible by 2 (0, 2, 4, 6…).Fact FamilyRelated addition/subtraction facts (e.g., 3+4=7, 4+3=7, 7-4=3).Growing PatternA pattern that increases predictably (e.g., 2, 4, 6…).Identity PropertyAdding zero doesn’t change a number (e.g., 5 + 0 = 5).MinuendThe starting number in subtraction.Minus (–)The subtraction symbol.Missing AddendThe unknown number in an addition problem (e.g., 3 + __ = 7).Near DoublesAdding numbers close to doubles (e.g., 6 + 7).Number BondA model showing part-whole relationships.OddNumbers not divisible by 2 (1, 3, 5…).Ordinal NumberNumbers showing order (1st, 2nd, 3rd…).PatternA repeating or growing sequence.Pattern UnitThe repeating part of a pattern.Plus (+)The addition symbol.QuantityAn amount or number.Related FactsMath facts using the same numbers.Repeated AdditionAdding the same number multiple times (e.g., 3 + 3 + 3).Repeated SubtractionSubtracting the same number multiple times.Repeating PatternA pattern that cycles (e.g., 🔴, 🔵, 🔴, 🔵).Skip CountingCounting by 2s, 5s, or 10s.SubtractTo take away from a group.SubtractionFinding how many are left after taking away.SubtrahendThe number being subtracted.SumThe answer in an addition problem.SymbolA math sign (+, –, =, ).Number SentenceA complete math equation (e.g., 4 + 1 = 5).Part-Part-WholeA model showing how parts make a whole.JoinCombining groups (addition).SeparateRemoving a group (subtraction).Think AdditionUsing addition to solve subtraction.ComparisonDetermining more, less, or equal.UnknownA missing number in an equation.Benchmark NumberKey reference numbers (e.g., 5, 10, 100).Key Concepts:
Commutative Property – The order of numbers doesn’t change the sum (e.g., 2 + 3 = 3 + 2). Associative Property – Numbers can be grouped differently without changing the sum (e.g., (2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4)). Identity Property – Adding zero to a number doesn’t change it (e.g., 5 + 0 = 5). 2. Math Vocabulary First Grade : Place Value & Number SenseKey terms for place value, comparing numbers, and working with tens and ones.
TermDefinitionCompareTo determine greater, less, or equal.ComposePutting parts together to make a number.DecomposeBreaking a number into parts.DigitA single numeral (0-9).Expanded FormWriting a number by place value (e.g., 43 = 40 + 3).Greater Than (>)A number is larger than another.HundredsThe digit in the hundreds place.Less Than (