Command Words

Question 1

Compare …and/to/with

Answer 1

Work out or identify the values required and say which is smaller/larger, etc.

Where appropriate, consider the context when giving your answer.

Question 2

Complete

Answer 2

Add the missing information to a table or diagram (often statistical).

Question 3

Construct

Answer 3

Draw accurately.

If told to use compasses, all construction arcs and lines should be shown.

Question 4

Convert …(in)to

Answer 4

Change a value from one numerical form to another or a measure from one unit to another.

Question 5

Describe

Answer 5

Use mathematical terminology to define the given information.

Question 6

Describe (fully) the single transformation that maps…

Answer 6

With enlargement, give the scale factor and centre of enlargement.

With reflection, give the equation of the line of reflection.

With rotation, give the angle, direction and centre of rotation.

With translation, give the translation vector.

This should always be done fully, even if that word is absent from the instruction.

Question 7

Draw

Answer 7

Give an accurate depiction of a graph, map, diagram, etc.

Question 8

Draw a sketch of

Answer 8

Give a depiction of a graph, map, diagram, etc, where the important features are identified and labelled

Question 9

Estimate (a mean from grouped frequency)

Answer 9

Use class midpoints to work out an estimate of the mean.

Question 10

Estimate the value of (used with a calculation)

Answer 10

Use approximations to work out a value.

Unless told otherwise, students should round the given values to 1 significant figure.

Question 11

Evaluate

Answer 11

Identify which part of the method, calculation or assertion is incorrect or explain why it must be correct.

Question 12

Express… as

Answer 12

Convert a number from one form to another

Question 13

Factorise (fully)

Answer 13

Take out any common factors of an expression or convert a quadratic expression into two linear factors.

Question 14

Give a reason for your answer/choice

Answer 14

Show a calculation and/or written evidence for your answer.

Question 15

Give your answer as a/in the form…

Answer 15

You may work with values in a different format, but give the answer in the format required.

Question 16

Give your answer in its simplest form

Answer 16

Cancel any fractions and collect any like terms.

Question 17

Give your answer in terms of…

Answer 17

The given variable should be the only variable in your answer.

Question 18

Give your answer to… decimal places/significant figures

Answer 18

Show the full answer in your working, but give the rounded value on the answer line.

Question 19

Label

Answer 19

Identify required regions, lengths or axis labels.

Question 20

List

Answer 20

Write down all qualifying values or items.

Question 21

Mark

Answer 21

Show a position on a map or diagram with the letter or symbol required.

Question 22

Measure

Answer 22

Use a ruler to measure a length or a protractor to measure an angle.

Question 23

Expand

Answer 23

Multiply out the bracket(s), collecting like terms where possible

Question 24

Plot

Answer 24

Mark the points with a cross.

Question 25

Prove that…

Answer 25

Give a formal algebraic proof with each step shown or a formal geometric proof with each step shown and justification for each step.

Question 26

Rearrange… to make… the subject

or

Make … the subject

Question 27

Reflect

Answer 27

Draw the image in the correct position.

Question 28

Rotate

Answer 28

Draw the image in the correct position.

Question 29

Shade

Answer 29

Show a required region by dark colouring or cross-hatching, etc.

Question 30

Show that…

Answer 30

Give every step of a process that will lead to the required outcome.

Question 31

Simplify (fully)

Answer 31

Collect terms or cancel a fraction.

This should always be done fully, even if that word is absent from the instruction. Use of the word ‘fully’ is a hint that more than one simplification step will be required.

Question 32

Sketch

Answer 32

Give a depiction of a graph, map, diagram, etc, where the important features are identified

Question 33

Solve

Answer 33

Find the value(s) that satisfy a given equation or inequality.

Question 34

Translate

Answer 34

Draw the image in the correct position.

Question 35

Write down your full calculator display

Answer 35

Give your answer as a decimal and write all the digits shown on your calculator. However, as calculators can show many digits, at least 6 digits would be seen as sufficient here.

Question 36

You must show your working

Answer 36

A correct answer will not receive the marks unless working is given to show how the answer was arrived at.

Question 37

Expand and simplify

Answer 37

Remove brackets and the collect like terms.

Question 38

Explain

Answer 38

Write a sentence or a mathematical statement to show how you got to your answer or reached your conclusion.

Question 39

Express

Answer 39

Re-write in another form, some working may be needed.

Question 40

Give a reason

Answer 40

Must be clear and accurate reasons. If the reasons are geometrical then make sure you:

• provide a reason for each stage of working (if required),
• use correct geometric terminology.

Question 41

Justify

Answer 41

Show all working and/or give a written explanation