Command Words Flashcards
Compare …and/to/with
Work out or identify the values required and say which is smaller/larger, etc.
Where appropriate, consider the context when giving your answer.
Complete
Add the missing information to a table or diagram (often statistical).
Construct
Draw accurately.
If told to use compasses, all construction arcs and lines should be shown.
Convert …(in)to
Change a value from one numerical form to another or a measure from one unit to another.
Describe
Use mathematical terminology to define the given information.
Describe (fully) the single transformation that maps…
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.
Draw
Give an accurate depiction of a graph, map, diagram, etc.
Draw a sketch of
Give a depiction of a graph, map, diagram, etc, where the important features are identified and labelled
Estimate (a mean from grouped frequency)
Use class midpoints to work out an estimate of the mean.
Estimate the value of (used with a calculation)
Use approximations to work out a value.
Unless told otherwise, students should round the given values to 1 significant figure.
Evaluate
Identify which part of the method, calculation or assertion is incorrect or explain why it must be correct.
Express… as
Convert a number from one form to another
Factorise (fully)
Take out any common factors of an expression or convert a quadratic expression into two linear factors.
Give a reason for your answer/choice
Show a calculation and/or written evidence for your answer.
Give your answer as a/in the form…
You may work with values in a different format, but give the answer in the format required.
Give your answer in its simplest form
Cancel any fractions and collect any like terms.
Give your answer in terms of…
The given variable should be the only variable in your answer.
Give your answer to… decimal places/significant figures
Show the full answer in your working, but give the rounded value on the answer line.
Label
Identify required regions, lengths or axis labels.
List
Write down all qualifying values or items.
Mark
Show a position on a map or diagram with the letter or symbol required.
Measure
Use a ruler to measure a length or a protractor to measure an angle.
Expand
Multiply out the bracket(s), collecting like terms where possible
Plot
Mark the points with a cross.
Prove that…
Give a formal algebraic proof with each step shown or a formal geometric proof with each step shown and justification for each step.
Rearrange… to make… the subject
or
Make … the subject
Reflect
Draw the image in the correct position.
Rotate
Draw the image in the correct position.
Shade
Show a required region by dark colouring or cross-hatching, etc.
Show that…
Give every step of a process that will lead to the required outcome.
Simplify (fully)
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.
Sketch
Give a depiction of a graph, map, diagram, etc, where the important features are identified
Solve
Find the value(s) that satisfy a given equation or inequality.
Translate
Draw the image in the correct position.
Write down your full calculator display
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.
You must show your working
A correct answer will not receive the marks unless working is given to show how the answer was arrived at.
Expand and simplify
Remove brackets and the collect like terms.
Explain
Write a sentence or a mathematical statement to show how you got to your answer or reached your conclusion.
Express
Re-write in another form, some working may be needed.
Give a reason
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.
Justify
Show all working and/or give a written explanation
