AQA GCSE Mathematics key terms

The agreed sequence in which operations are evaluated: brackets and indices before multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction.

The number of positions in one complete turn at which a shape matches itself, including the position reached at $360^\circ$.

The origin is the point $(0,0)$ where the coordinate axes meet.

The quantity from which a fraction, percentage or percentage change is calculated.

The value before a percentage change was applied.

A possible result of a probability experiment, such as the spinner landing on red.

A point noticeably away from the general pattern of the other points.

The smooth curved graph of a quadratic function.

Lines in the same plane that remain the same distance apart and never meet; distinct non-vertical parallel lines have equal gradients.

A quadrilateral with two pairs of opposite sides parallel.

A ratio comparing one share with another share; neither number represents the total.

A ratio comparing one share with the entire quantity; the other share is the total minus that share.

A number of parts per hundred; for example, 17% means 17 out of every 100.

The difference between the new and original values, expressed as a percentage of the original value.

A decimal factor used to multiply a quantity, such as 1.12 for a 12% increase or 0.88 for a 12% decrease.

The horizontal length of one complete repeating cycle of a graph.

Perpendicular lines meet at a right angle. Where both gradients are defined and non-zero, their gradients multiply to $-1$.

A line that crosses a line segment at 90° through its midpoint; every point on it is equally far from the segment’s endpoints.

The shortest distance from a point to a line, measured along a line that meets it at 90°.

The shortest distance from the base of a solid to its opposite vertex or parallel face, measured at right angles to the base.

A straight line that meets another line at a right angle of 90°.

Lines that meet at a right angle. For two lines with defined gradients, their gradients multiply to $-1$.

The constant ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, written $\pi$.

A diagram that represents frequencies using repeated pictures or symbols whose values are given by a key.

A circular chart divided into sectors so that each sector's angle is proportional to the frequency of its category.

The constant equal to a circle’s circumference divided by its diameter. Its decimal digits continue without ending or repeating.

A zero used to keep other digits in their correct place-value columns, as in $305$ or $0.04$.