AQA · GCSE · 8300
Mathematics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) — Specification (2026)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300)
AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300)
AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) — Specification (2026)
Keywords align to AQA GCSE Mathematics content domains (number; algebra; ratio/proportion & rates of change; geometry & measures; probability; statistics).
Mark schemes: AQA mark schemes expect correct mathematical vocabulary and notation (e.g., “factor”, “expand”, “inverse”, “gradient”). Definitions should be paired with clear statements of conditions (e.g., ‘for all values’).
Active recall: 0 / 56 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Essential | Prime number | A whole number greater than 1 with exactly two factors: 1 and itself. | |
| Number | Essential | Factor | A whole number that divides another whole number exactly with no remainder. | |
| Number | Core | HCF | Highest common factor: the greatest factor shared by two or more integers. | |
| Number | Core | LCM | Lowest common multiple: the smallest positive multiple common to two or more integers. | |
| Number | Core | Standard form | Writing a number as a × 10ⁿ where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is an integer. | |
| Number | Advanced | Surd | An irrational root written exactly, e.g. √2 or 3√5. | |
| Algebra | Essential | Expression | A mathematical phrase with numbers/variables, but no equals sign. | |
| Algebra | Essential | Equation | A statement that two expressions are equal, containing an equals sign. | |
| Algebra | Core | Factorise | Rewrite an expression as a product of factors. | |
| Algebra | Core | Expand | Multiply out brackets to write an expression as a sum of terms. | |
| Algebra | Core | Simultaneous equations | A set of equations solved together to find values that satisfy all equations. | |
| Algebra | Advanced | Quadratic formula | For ax² + bx + c = 0, x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) ÷ 2a. | |
| Algebra | Core | Gradient | The slope of a straight line; change in y ÷ change in x. | |
| Algebra | Core | Intercept | Where a graph crosses an axis (x-intercept or y-intercept). | |
| Algebra | Advanced | Completing the square | Rewriting a quadratic as a square bracket plus/minus a constant. | |
| Geometry & measures | Essential | Congruent | Same shape and same size; corresponding sides and angles are equal. | |
| Geometry & measures | Core | Similar | Same shape but different size; corresponding angles equal and sides in the same ratio. | |
| Geometry & measures | Core | Bearing | A direction given as a three-digit angle measured clockwise from North. | |
| Geometry & measures | Core | Pythagoras’ theorem | In a right-angled triangle, a² + b² = c² where c is the hypotenuse. | |
| Geometry & measures | Advanced | Circle theorem | A proven relationship involving angles/chords/tangents in circles (e.g., angle in a semicircle is 90°). | |
| Geometry & measures | Core | Perimeter | The total distance around the outside of a 2D shape. | |
| Geometry & measures | Core | Area | The amount of surface inside a 2D shape; measured in square units. | |
| Geometry & measures | Core | Volume | The amount of space inside a 3D shape; measured in cubic units. | |
| Geometry & measures | Advanced | Vector | A quantity with magnitude and direction, often written as a column or arrow. | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Essential | Ratio | A comparison of two quantities written in the same units. | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Core | Proportion | A relationship where two ratios are equal. | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Core | Unit rate | A rate for 1 unit of a quantity (e.g., cost per 1 kg). | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Core | Direct proportion | Two variables increase/decrease together at a constant ratio. | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Core | Inverse proportion | As one variable increases, the other decreases so the product stays constant. | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Advanced | Percentage change | Change ÷ original × 100%. | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Advanced | Compound interest | Interest calculated on the original amount plus previously added interest. | |
| Ratio, proportion & rates of change | Advanced | Growth/decay multiplier | A single multiplier used to repeatedly increase/decrease a quantity (e.g., ×1.05 per year). | |
| Graphs & functions | Essential | Function | A rule that maps each input to exactly one output. | |
| Graphs & functions | Core | Inverse function | A function that reverses another function’s mapping (swap inputs and outputs). | |
| Graphs & functions | Core | Domain | The set of input values for which a function is defined. | |
| Graphs & functions | Core | Range | The set of output values produced by a function. | |
| Graphs & functions | Core | Quadratic graph | A parabola-shaped graph of y = ax² + bx + c. | |
| Graphs & functions | Advanced | Turning point | The maximum or minimum point on a curve (vertex). | |
| Graphs & functions | Advanced | Inequality | A statement comparing values using <, >, ≤, or ≥. | |
| Graphs & functions | Advanced | Region | The set of points that satisfy given inequalities on a graph. | |
| Trigonometry | Essential | Hypotenuse | The longest side of a right-angled triangle, opposite the right angle. | |
| Trigonometry | Core | Sine (sin) | In a right-angled triangle, sin = opposite ÷ hypotenuse. | |
| Trigonometry | Core | Cosine (cos) | In a right-angled triangle, cos = adjacent ÷ hypotenuse. | |
| Trigonometry | Core | Tangent (tan) | In a right-angled triangle, tan = opposite ÷ adjacent. | |
| Trigonometry | Advanced | Angle of elevation | An angle measured upwards from a horizontal line of sight. | |
| Trigonometry | Advanced | Angle of depression | An angle measured downwards from a horizontal line of sight. | |
| Probability & statistics | Essential | Probability | A measure of how likely an event is; from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain). | |
| Probability & statistics | Core | Independent events | Events where the outcome of one does not affect the probability of the other. | |
| Probability & statistics | Core | Relative frequency | Experimental probability: number of times an event occurs ÷ total trials. | |
| Probability & statistics | Core | Median | The middle value when data are ordered (or mean of the two middle values). | |
| Probability & statistics | Advanced | Interquartile range (IQR) | A measure of spread: upper quartile (Q3) minus lower quartile (Q1). | |
| Probability & statistics | Core | Mean | Average: sum of values ÷ number of values. | |
| Probability & statistics | Core | Mode | The most frequent value in a data set. | |
| Probability & statistics | Core | Range | Largest value minus smallest value. | |
| Probability & statistics | Advanced | Cumulative frequency | A running total of frequencies up to a given value. | |
| Probability & statistics | Advanced | Sampling | Selecting part of a population to represent the whole. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Mathematics (8300) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this AQA GCSE Mathematics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important mathematics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) — Specification (2026) (8300). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Mathematics glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE Mathematics (8300) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Mathematics. Use formula sheets for equations; use this list for precise terms and definitions.
- Can I download this Mathematics keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Mathematics list aligned to the 8300 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) — Specification (2026) for AQA GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Mathematics at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.