Glossary

Definition Example
acceleration The rate of change of velocity with
respect to time.
addition principle A rule for counting the number of
ways in which event A or event B
can occur if A and B are mutually
exclusive events.
amplitude The distance from the centre of
an oscillation to an extreme point;
often found by calculating half of the
distance between the maximum and
minimum values.
angle of depression The angle below the horizontal.
angle of elevation The angle above the horizontal.
anomaly An observation which is invalid due The life expectancy in Jamaica is
to a systematic error.
arc Part of the circumference of a circle The minor arc in the diagram has
between two points. For each pair
of points on the circle there are two length 3 .
arcs: the larger is called the major
arc; the smaller is called the
minor arc.
An object falling under the
influence of gravity has a constant
acceleration.
By the addition principle, the
number of ways of getting an
even number on the first die or a
multiple of three on the second die
is 3 + 2.
4 i 3 has amplitude 4.
A ship is observed at an angle of
depression of 48° from a cliff top.
The top of a tower forms an angle
of elevation of 16° from a point
30 m away.
an anomaly as it comes from data
collected ten years after other
countries.
π
1 π
3
1

⎛ 1⎞ π
arcsin, arccos, arctan The inverse functions of sine, cosine arcsin =
⎝ 2⎠ 6
and tangent.

Argand diagram or Argand A way of representing complex The complex number 2 − i is

plane. numbers where the real part is represented as follows on an
plotted horizontally and the Argand diagram:
imaginary part plotted vertically. Im

Re
2−i

argument 1. An expression which is 1. The argument of sin(3 1) is

transformed by a function. 3 1.
2. The angle that a complex number 2. The argument of 1 + i is π .
makes with the positive real axis, 4
measured anticlockwise.

arithmetic sequence or A sequence in which the difference 3, 7,11,15, … is an arithmetic

arithmetic progression between consecutive terms is sequence.
constant.

Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary 1
 Definition
asymptote A line which a curve approaches.
background level The value that a function will
approach after a sufficiently long
time that the effect of any
intervention has become negligible.
base The number which is being
multiplied with itself a certain
number of times.
base vectors A set of vectors which can be used
to describe other vectors.
Bayes’ theorem A rule for changing the order of
conditional probabilities.
bimodal A probability distribution or data
set which has two modes.
binomial Containing two terms.
binomial coefficient A coefficient in the expansion of
⎛ n⎞
(1+ x )n , usually denoted by ⎜ r ⎟ .
⎝ ⎠
Example
1
The graph y = has an
x −2
asymptote x = 2.
A model predicts that the
temperature will drop to a
background level of 25° C.
The base in (xy)5 is xy.
In three dimensions we
conventionally use the base vectors
i j and k .
Bayes’ theorem shows that, in
general, P( A | ) is not the same as
P(B | ) .
The data set 1, 1, 1, 3, 4, 4, 4 is
bimodal.
a + x is a binomial expression.
10 is a binomial coefficient in the
expansion of (1 + x ) .
5

binomial distribution A common distribution modelling The number of heads obtained

the number of ‘successes’ occurring
in a situation with a fixed number
of independent trials and a constant
probability of success.
binomial theorem or A formula for expanding (a + b)n
binomial expansion into n + 1 terms.
Cartesian equation An equation directly linking x and
y and possibly z.
Cartesian form Expressing a complex number as
when ten fair coins are tossed
follows the binomial distribution
B( , 0.. ).
The first three terms in the
binomial expansion of ( y )5
2400 x 4 y + 720 x 3 y 2 .
are 32 x 5 240x
x + 2 y + z = 8 is the Cartesian
equation of a plane.
iπ can be written in Cartesian

a real number plus an imaginary e4 1 1

form as + i.
number: a b . 2 2
chain rule A rule for differentiating composite The derivative of sin x2 with respect
dy dy du to x can be found using the chain
functions: = × rule with a substitution u x 2 to
dx du dx
get 2 x x2 .
change-of-base rule A rule for converting logarithms to log x can be converted into ln x
different bases. ln 10
using the change-of-base rule.
chord A line connecting two points on a A chord connecting two points is
curve. always shorter than the minor arc
between those two points.
coefficient A number multiplying an algebraic The coefficient of x2 in 5x2 + 3 is 5.
expression.
column vector A vector described by its 2i + 3j can be written as the
components written vertically. ⎛ 2⎞
column vector ⎜ ⎟ .
⎝ 3⎠

2 Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary
 Definition Example
combination A way of choosing a set of objects There are 56 ways of choosing three
where the order does not matter. people from a group of eight.
complement All relevant events other than the The complement of rolling a 6 on a
event in question. die is rolling a , 2, 3, 4 or 5.
completed square form A quadratic expression written in The completed square form is
the form a ( x − r ) + s.
2
convenient for finding the vertex,
which has coordinates ( , s).
complex conjugate An operation which changes the sign The complex conjugate of z = 2 − 4i
of the imaginary part of a complex is z * = 2 + 4i.
number; the complex conjugate
of z is usually denoted by z*.
complex number A number which can be expressed 1 + 3i is a complex number.
as the sum of a real number and an
imaginary number (Cartesian form).
complex roots Solutions to an equation which can The equation x3 + 1 = 0 has two
include complex numbers. complex roots.
component The amount of displacement of a ⎛ 3⎞
vector in the direction of a base The component of ⎜ 4 ⎟ in the k
vector. direction is −1. ⎜ ⎟
⎜⎝ −1⎟⎠

composite function A function applied to another f ( x ) = sin(x 2 ) is a composite

function.
compound interest Increasing an amount by a given
ratio over a specific period of time,
usually in a financial context.
compound-angle formula An identity which expresses a
trigonometric function involving a
sum or difference of two angles in
terms of trigonometric functions of
those angles.
concave down/concave A description of whether a graph is
up(concavity) bending upwards or downwards, i.e.
whether the gradient is increasing or
decreasing. For example, a concave-up
graph might look like
function.
If $1000 was invested in a bank
account at a rate of 5% interest
compounded annually, the account
balance will be $1152.5 after two
years.
cos( A B) cos A cos B + sin A sin
s B
is a compound-angle formula.
The graph y = x3 is concave down
when x < 0 and concave up when
x > 0.

and a concave-down graph might

look like

Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary 3
 Definition Example

conditional probability The probability of an event occurring The conditional probability

given that another event has P(getting an ace on the second card |
occurred. 3
first card was an ace) is .
51

conjugate pair Two complex numbers which are i + 2 and −i + 2 form a conjugate
conjugates of each other. pair.
constant of integration A constant which reflects the fact If you say that the integral of cos x
that many different functions is sin x, then you are forgetting the
differentiate to give a particular constant of integration.
function.
continuous May take any value in a given Weight is a continuous variable.
interval.
continuous random variable A random variable which can take The weight of a hamster is a
(crv) any value in a given interval. continuous random variable.
convergent sequence A sequence which gets closer and 1 1 1 1
closer to a particular number. The sequence , − , , − is
2 3 4 5
convergent; it converges to zero.
π 2
cosecant The reciprocal of the sine function. csc = .
3 3
cosine A fundamental trigonometric
function, often abbreviated to ‘cos’; π 3
cos = .
can be defined as the x-coordinate of 6 2
a point on the unit circle.
cosine rule A rule linking side lengths and angles The cosine rule can be used to find
in any triangle: the angles in a triangle when all of
the side lengths are known.
c 2 a2 + b ab C.
cotangent The reciprocal of the tangent π
function. cot = 3 .
6
cumulative probability The probability of a random If X is a binomially or
variable being less than or equal to a Poisson-distributed random
particular value. variable, the cumulative
probability P( X ≤ 2) equals
P( 0) P ( X = 1) + P( X = 2) .
De Moivre’s theorem A rule stating that when a complex By De Moivre’s theorem,
number is raised to a power, the π⎞
2
π
⎛
modulus gets raised to that power 3 cis = 9 cis
i .
⎝ 10 ⎠ 5
while the argument is multiplied by
the power.
deductive rule A rule for generating terms of a un n3 − 1 is a deductive rule.
sequence based on each term’s
position in the sequence.
definite integration Integration with limits; the result 1

is a definite value. ∫0
e dx = e − 1.

degree 1. A unit for measuring angles: 1. A right angle is 90°.

1
1 degree or 1° is of a full 2. The polynomial x5 – 3x has
360 degree 5.
rotation.
2. Another name for the order of a
polynomial.

4 Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary
 Definition Example

derivative A function which gives the gradient 2

The derivative of 3 2 is 6x .
of (the graph of) another function at
every point of its domain.
difference The result of subtracting two 21 and 7 have a difference of 14.
numbers.
differentiation The process of finding the derivative If we differentiate sin 2x, we get
of a function. 2 cos 2x.
differentiation from first Finding the derivative of a function The general formula for
principles by considering the limit of gradients differentiation from first principles
of smaller and smaller chords. f ( x + h) f ( x )
is lim .
h→0 h
discrete Restricted to fixed values in a given Shoe size is a discrete variable.
domain.
discriminant An expression (b2 – 4ac) which Since the discriminant of
determines the number of solutions x 2 + x + 12 = 0 is negative, the
to a quadratic equation. equation has no solutions.
displacement A vector quantity representing the ⎛ 3⎞
distance and direction from one A ship has a displacement of ⎜ ⎟ km
point to another. ⎝ 6⎠
relative to the lighthouse.
divergent sequence A sequence which does not get closer The sequence 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, . . . is
and closer to a particular number. divergent.
domain The set of all allowed input values The domain of f ( x ) = x + 2 is
of a function. x ≥ −2 .
double angle formula An identity which expresses a sin2x = 2sin x cos x is a double-
trigonometric function involving 2θ angle formula.
in terms of trigonometric functions
involving θ.
equation Two expressions which are equal for x2 = 9 is an equation.
some values of the variable. Not to be
confused with an identity.
Euler Form Writing a complex number in the 1 + i is
form recθ iπ
2e 4 in Euler form.
exclusion principle Counting the number of outcomes If out of 712 possible committees
that satisfy a given condition by 16 involve both John and Sandra,
first counting everything which by the exclusion principle 696 do
does not satisfy the condition and not involve both John and Sandra.
then subtracting this from the total
number of outcomes.
expectation The expected mean of a probability The following probability
distribution. distribution has expectation
E ( X ) = 1.25.
X 0 1 2
P 0.25 0.25 0.5
exponent form A number or expression written The exponent form of 32 is 25.
in the form of a base raised to an
exponent.
exponent or power The number of times the base is The exponent of x in x7 is 7.
multiplied together.

Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary 5
 Definition Example

exponential decay Something that can be modelled The mass of a radioactive isotope
by a negative exponential function. exhibits exponential decay.
exponential growth Something that can be modelled by A population of bacteria grows
a positive exponential function. exponentially.
expression An allowed combination of numbers, ( )
sin x + is an expression.
variables and mathematical
operations, containing no equals or
inequality signs.
factor theorem If f (a) = 0, then (x − a) is a factor of
If g (3) = 0, by the factor theorem
the polynomial f (x). (x − 3) is a factor of g (x).
factorised form An expression written as a product The factorised form allows us
of (usually) linear factors. to easily find the zeros of an
expression.
foot of the perpendicular The point where a perpendicular line The foot of the perpendicular from
meets a line or a plane. the origin to the plane x + y + z = 3
is the point (1,, , ).
function A relation in which each allowable f x  x + 2 is a function.
input has only one output; a rule that
associates with each input exactly one
output value.
geometric sequence or A sequence in which the ratio 3, 6, 12, 24, . . . is a geometric
geometric progression between consecutive terms is progression.
constant.
gradient The steepness of a line, measured as The gradient of the line 3x + 2
how far up it goes for a shift of each is 3.
unit to the right.
growth factor The factor that a function increases The function R = 12 × 1 052t has a
by (above the background level) growth factor of 1.1025 .
when the independent variable
increases by 1 unit.
10 x
horizontal asymptote A horizontal line of the form y = a y= has a horizontal
which a curve approaches. 2x − 3
asymptote y = 5.
horizontal line test A way of deciding from the graph The graph y = x2 does not pass the
whether a function is one-to-one. horizontal line test, so the function
f (x) = x2 is not one-to-one.
identity Two expressions which are equal for x 2 = x × x is an identity.
every possible value of the variable,
often confused with an equation.
imaginary number The result of square-rooting a 3i is an imaginary number.
negative number; usually written
in terms of the square root of −1,
which is denoted by i.
imaginary part The coefficient of i when a complex The imaginary part of 2 − 3i is −3.
number is written in Cartesian form.
implicit differentiation A method for differentiating an
implicit function. If x 2 y 2 = 1 , then the derivative
dy
can be found using implicit
dx
differentiation, which gives
dyy
2 x 2y 2y = 0.
dx
6 Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary
 Definition Example

implicit function A relation between variables x and y x2 + y2 = 1 is an implicit function.

which is not written in the form
y = f (x).
improper algebraic fraction An algebraic fraction where the x
is an improper algebraic
order of the numerator is greater 3+ x
than or equal to the order of the fraction.
denominator.
indefinite integration Integration without limits; the result
is a function plus a constant of ∫e dx
d =e x
+c
integration.
independent events Two events whose probabilities are A person’s telephone number and
not affected by the outcome of each the number of their house are
other. independent events.
inductive step A part of proof by induction where Adding on the next term in a
the assumption is linked to the next sequence is often a useful inductive
proposition. step.
inequality Two expressions where one is greater The solution to the inequality
than the other for some values of the x 2 > 9 is x > 3 or x < −3 .
variable.
initial value The value of a function at time zero. The speed of a car takes an initial
value of 3 ms −1.
inner function The function g (x) in a composite The composite function
function f x ) = h g (x )), i.e. the f x ) = sin(x 2 ) has inner function
function that is applied first. x  x 2.
integers Whole numbers. −7, 0 and 8 are all integers.
integration The reverse process to differentiation. The integral of x−1 with respect to x
is ln | | +c .
integration by parts A rule for integrating a The integral of xex with respect to x
product of two functions: can be found using integration by
dv du parts.
∫ dx ∫v dx dx.
2
integration by substitution A method for turning one integral The integral of xex with respect
into another, hopefully easier, to x can be found using the
integral. substitution u x 2 .
interquartile range A measure of how spread out the The interquartile range of 1, 1, 4, 6,
data is: the length of the interval 8, 10, 12 is 9.
covering the central 50% of values
in the data set.
intersection The combined event corresponding The intersection of odd numbers
to two events both occurring. less than and prime numbers
less than 6 is { , 5}.
inverse function A function which undoes the action Cube-rooting is the inverse
of another function. function of cubing.
inverse normal distribution A function which turns a cumulative In a normal distribution, the
probability into a Z-score; often values in the top 20% are at
denoted by Φ −1 ( ). least Φ −1 ( ) = 0.842 standard
deviations above the mean.
kinematics The study of the movement of One important rule of kinematics
objects. is that the area under a graph of
velocity against time gives the
displacement.

Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary 7
 Definition Example
lead coefficient The coefficient of the leading order The lead coefficient of 3x 6 12 x
term. is 3.
leading order term The term containing the largest 6x2 is the leading order term in
exponent in a polynomial. 1 3x3 + 6x 2 .
1
limits 1. The points between which a 1. The limits of the integral ∫
0
e dx
function is integrated in an are 0 and 1.
definite integral.
2. Values which convergent 2. The limit of the sequence
sequences approach. 1 1 1
1, , , ,… is 0.
2 3 4
local maximum A point around which the graph The graph y x 3 − 12 x + 7 has a
looks like local maximum at ( , 23).

local minimum A point around which the graph The graph y x 3 − 12 x + 7 has a
looks like local minimum at ( , 9) .

logarithm to base a (x = logab) The answer to the question ‘what The logarithm to base 2 of 32 is 5.
power of the base a is this number?’
magnitude The size of a vector; the magnitude of The magnitude of a velocity vector
a vector v is usually denoted by v . is the speed.
many-to-one function A function where some outputs come A many-to-one function does not
from more than one input. have an inverse function.
mean An average found by dividing the The mean of 6, 3 and 3 is 4.
sum of a set of data values by the
number of data values in the set.
median An average found by identifying the The median of 6, 3 and 3 is 3.
central value of the data set when the
data items are arranged in order.
mode An average found by identifying the The mode of 6, 3 and 3 is 3.
most frequently occurring data item.
modelling Describing a real-world situation in Tides can be modelled by a sine
terms of mathematical functions. function.
modulus 1. The function which makes a 1. The modulus of −3 is 3.
negative input positive but leaves
positive inputs unchanged.

2. The distance of a complex number 2. The modulus of 3 4i is 5.

from the origin on an Argand
diagram.
x
A curve of the form kax + c where ⎛ 1 ⎞ is a negative exponential
negative exponential y=
0<a<1 ⎝ 2⎠
curve.
negative polynomial A polynomial with a negative lead 5 − 7x3 is a negative cubic.
coefficient.
normal A line intersecting a graph such that The normal to y = x2 at x = 1 is
it is perpendicular to the tangent at 1
y (3 x ) .
the point of intersection. 2

8 Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary
 Definition Example
normal distribution A common distribution modelling The arm span of adults follows a
many naturally occurring continuous normal distribution.
random variables.
normal vector A vector perpendicular to a plane. A normal vector to x + 2y + z = 8
⎛ 1⎞
is ⎜ 2⎟ .
⎜ ⎟
⎜⎝ 1⎟⎠

oblique asymptote An asymptote which is neither y = x + 2 is an oblique asymptote of

horizontal nor vertical. 3
the curve y = x + 2 + .
x −1
one-to-one function A function where every output y = 3x is a one-to-one function but
comes from only one input. y = 3x2 is not.
order The largest exponent in a polynomial. 5x3 − 6x4 is a fourth-order
polynomial.
origin A fixed reference point in space. The origin is at the intersection of
the x and y axes.
outer function The function h(x) in a composite The composite function
function f x ) = h g (x )). f ( x ) = sin(x 2 ) has outer function
x  in x .
outlier An observation which is unusually Usain Bolt’s 100 m time record is an
large or small. outlier.
parabola The shape of the graph of a quadratic The curve y = x2 + 4 is a parabola.
function.
parallel Lines or vectors which point in the The vectors i − 3j and 6j − 2i are
same or opposite direction. parallel.
parametric equations Equations linking each of x, y and z x 1 t , y 7 2t are the
to another variable. parametric equations of a line.
period The interval between the repeating The period of cos2x is π .
units of a periodic function.
periodic function A function whose graph repeats sin(3 ) 2 is a periodic function.
itself regularly.
permutation A way of arranging a set of objects There are 24 possible permutations
in a particular order. of the letters in the word CARS.
point of inflexion A place on a graph where the The graph y = x 3 + 3x 2 2 x + 1 has
concavity changes. a point of inflexion at ( , 5) .
Poisson distribution A common distribution modelling If the average number of leaks in
the number of ‘successes’ occurring in pipes produced by a certain factory
a situation where there is a constant is 0.2 per metre, the number of
average rate of success and such that leaks in pipes of length 3 m follows
successes occur independently. the Poisson distribution Po (0 6) .
polar form or modulus– Expressing a complex number in a The complex number 1+ i can be
argument form way that makes the modulus and π
argument explicit, such as r cis θ. written in polar form as 2 cis .
4
polynomial A sum of terms which are all of the 3x 4 5x 5x − 13 is a polynomial but
form ax n where n is a non-negative 2 + x is not.
integer.
population The entire group of interest. The population of all children
in Malawi includes those not
attending school as well as those
who are.

Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary 9
 Definition Example
position vector A vector relative to the origin. The point A (1, 2) has position
⎛ 1⎞
vector ⎜ ⎟ .
⎝ 2⎠
positive exponential A curve of the form kax + c where y = 3x is a positive exponential
a > 1. curve.
positive polynomial A polynomial with a positive lead x2 + 5 is a positive quadratic.
coefficient.
probability density function A function whose definite integral The probability density function of
(pdf) gives the probability of a continuous the waiting time for a bus is e −3 x .
random variable falling between the
limits.
probability distribution A list of all possible outcomes of a The probability distribution for the
random variable along with their number of heads obtained when
probabilities. two coins are tossed (H) is:
H 0 1 2
P 0.25 0.5 0.25
probability mass function. A function which outputs the The probability mass function
probability of the input. of the Poisson distribution is
(e − ) mr .
r!

product principle A rule for counting the number of
ways in which event A and event B
both occur.
product rule A rule for differentiating a
product y uv of two functions:
dy dv du
=u +v .
dx dx dx
proper algebraic fraction An algebraic fraction where the
order of the numerator is less than
the order of the denominator.
quadrant One of the four regions obtained
when the plane is subdivided by a
pair of coordinate axes. The first
quadrant is the region with positive x
and y coordinates; the quadrants are
then numbered in an anticlockwise
fashion.
quadratic function or A polynomial whose highest power
quadratic expression is x 2.
quadratic inequality An inequality involving a quadratic
expression.
quotient The result of division. When two
algebraic expressions are divided, the
quotient refers to the polynomial part
of the result.
By the product principle, the
number of ways of getting an even
number on the first die and a
multiple of three on the second die
is .
The derivative of xe x is xe x e x by
using the product rule.
x
is a proper algebraic
3 + x2
fraction.
The point (3, −5) lies in the fourth
quadrant.
The path of flight of a javelin can be
modelled by a quadratic function.
x 2 > 3x
3x 2 is a quadratic inequality.
When x 2 is divided by x + 1, the
quotient is x − 1.

10 Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary
 Definition Example
quotient rule A rule for differentiating a quotient The derivative of tan x can be
u sin x
(fraction) y = of two functions: found by expressing tan x as
v cos x
du dv and using the quotient rule.
v −u
dy d x d x.
=
dx v2
π
radian A unit for measuring angles: 1 radian A right angle is radians.
1 2
is of a full rotation.
2π
random sample A variable or sample which can be Picking the first person on each
different each time it is observed. page in a telephone directory does
not produce a random sample.
range 1. The set of all outputs from a 1. The range of f (x) = x2 + 3 is
function defined on a specified f ( x ) ≥ 3.
domain.
2. A measure of spread of a data set, 2. The range of 7, 3, 5, 10, 12 is 9.
found by subtracting the smallest
value from the largest value.
rate of change How quickly a quantity changes as The rate of change of velocity with
another quantity changes. respect to time is acceleration.
2x − 1
rational function A ratio of two polynomials. f (x ) = is a rational
x 2 + 3x − 5
function.
real part When a complex number is written in The real part of 2 − 3i is 2.
the form a + ib.
real polynomial A polynomial whose coefficients are 3x 2 2i 2 x + 4 is not a real
all real numbers. polynomial.
recursive function/recursive A rule for generating terms of a un 5un is a recursive definition
definition (also known as sequence which depends upon
inductive) previous results.
relation Any set of ordered pairs. People’s names and their ages form
a relation.
remainder When two algebraic expressions are When x2 is divided by x + 1, the
divided, the remainder refers to the remainder is 1.
numerator of the proper algebraic
fraction that results.
remainder theorem When the polynomial f (x) is divided Since f (−1) = 7, the remainder
by (x − a), the remainder is f (a). when f xx) is divided by ( ) is 7.
repeated factor A factor that occurs more than once. (x − 2) is a repeated factor of
( x + 3))(( x − 2)2 .
reverse chain rule A method for integrating a product The integral of x x 2 with respect
by recognising it as the result of a 1
chain rule differentiation. to x can be seen to be sin x 2 + c
2
by using the reverse chain rule.
root or solution The values of a variable that make an 3 is a root of x 2 + 15 8 x .
equation true.
sample A collection from the group of The twelve chosen boys are a
interest. sample taken from all boys in the
school.

Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary 11
 Definition Example
sample space A list of all possible equally likely The sample space when two coins
outcomes. are tossed can be represented by
HH, HT, TH, TT.
scalar A quantity which has size but no Energy is a scalar quantity.
direction.
scalar product equation An equation for a plane in the form ⎛ 1⎞
r n=d.
r i ⎜ 3⎟ = 3 is the scalar product
⎜ ⎟
⎜⎝ −2⎟⎠
equation of a plane.
scalar product or dot product An operation which combines two ⎛ 3⎞ ⎛ 3⎞
or inner product vectors a and b to produce the scalar ⎜ ⎟ i ⎜ ⎟ =1
a b cos θ . ⎝ −2⎠ ⎝ 4⎠

π
secant The reciprocal of the cosine function. sec = 2
4
second derivative The derivative of the derivative of a The second derivative of x3 is 6x.
function.
sector A region in a circle enclosed by two The sector in the diagram has
radii and an arc. Each pair of radii π
defines two such regions: the larger area 6 . 1 π
is called the major sector; the smaller 3

is called the minor sector. 1

segment A region in a circle enclosed by a The segment below has area

chord and an arc. Each chord defines π 3
two such regions: the larger is called − . 1
π
the major segment; the smaller is 6 4 3

called the minor segment. 1

sequence A list of numbers in a specified 1, 4, 9, 16, … is a sequence.

order.
series A sequence formed by summing The harmonic series
terms from another sequence. 1 1 1
1 + + + + is formed by
2 3 4
summing the terms of the sequence
1 1 1
1, , , ,… .
2 3 4
sigma notation A shorthand way of describing The nth square number can be
n
the sum of values with a common
pattern.
expressed as ∑ 2k 1.
k =1

simultaneous equations A set of at least two equations The intersection of two graphs
involving more than one variable. can be found by solving a pair of
simultaneous equations.
sine A fundamental trigonometric π 1
sin = .
function, often abbreviated to ‘sin’; 6 2
can be defined as the y-coordinate of
a point on the unit circle.

12 Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary
 Definition Example
sine rule A rule linking side lengths and angles When using the sine rule to find an
in any triangle: angle, there may be two possible
sin A sin B sin C answers.
= = .
a b c
skew Two lines which are neither parallel y + 4 z −1
The lines x − 2 = = and
nor intersecting. 3 4
⎛ 1⎞
r = λ ⎜ 0⎟ are skew.
⎜ ⎟
⎜⎝ 1⎟⎠

speed A scalar quantity describing how fast The magnitude of the velocity
an object is moving. vector is the speed.
standard derivatives Derivatives, given in the Formula d 1
booklet, which can be quoted without (arctan x ) = is a standard
dx 1 + x2
proof. derivative.
standard deviation A measure of how spread out the data The standard deviation of 1, 1, 4, 6,
is, given by an average distance from 110
the mean. 8, 10, 12 is .
7
standard integrals Integrals, given in the Formula ∫ tan x x = ln |sec | + c is a
booklet, which can be quoted without standard integral.
proof.
standard normal distribution A normal distribution with mean If X ~ N ( μ, σ 2 ) , then X − μ
or Z-distribution zero and standard deviation one. σ
follows a standard normal
distribution.
stationary point A point on a graph at which the The graph y x 3 − 12 x + 7 has
gradient is zero. stationary points at ( , 9) and
( , 23).
strict inequality An equality in which the boundary x > 3 is a strict inequality while
case (equality) is excluded. x ≥ 3 is not.
subtends When each end of a curve (or line) is The diameter of a circle subtends
joined by a straight line to a specified an angle of 90° at any point on the
point, the angle enclosed by the two circumference.
lines is said to be subtended by the
curve at that point.
sum to infinity The value which the sum of a never- The sum to infinity of
ending sequence approaches as more 1 1 1
terms are added. 1 + + + + is 2.
2 4 8
tangent 1. A trigonometric function, often π
abbreviated to ‘tan’. 1. tan = 3
3
2. A line which touches a curve 2. A tangent to a circle meets any
without crossing it (except at radius in a right angle.
points of inflexion).
term 1. A component of a sum. 1. The expression 3x 2 y 2 x
consists of two terms.

2. A number in a sequence. 2. The third term of the sequence

2, 5, 10, 17, … is 10.

Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary 13
 Definition Example
tree diagram A representation of events that When two cards are drawn without
shows the probability of each event replacement from a standard
occurring depending on previous deck of cards, the probabilities of
outcomes. drawing at least one heart can be
represented in the following tree
diagram:
First Second

1 H
4

13
51 H
3 
4 H
38 H
51

trigonometric function One of the functions relating to sin 4x is a trigonometric function.

ratios of lengths in a right-angled
triangle or in the unit circle: sine,
cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant or
cotangent.
turning point or vertex A place where a graph changes from The line of symmetry of a quadratic
increasing to decreasing or vice versa. graph passes through its vertex.
Also known as a stationary point.
union The combined event corresponding The union of odd numbers less
to either or both of two events than 6 and prime numbers less
occurring. than 6 is { , 2, 3, 5}.
unit circle A circle with radius one unit centred cos θ is the x-coordinate of the
at the origin. point on the unit circle where the
radius makes an angle θ with the
positive x-axis.
unit vector A vector with magnitude one. ⎛ 1⎞
1 ⎜ ⎟
−1 is a unit vector in the
3 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ −1⎠
⎛ 1⎞
direction of ⎜ −1⎟ .
⎜ ⎟
⎜⎝ −1⎟⎠

variable An unknown quantity. In the expression 3x2, the only

variable is x.
variance An indirect measure of how spread The variance of 1, 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
out the data is, given by the square of 110
is .
the standard deviation. 7
vector A quantity which has both size Force is a vector quantity.
(magnitude) and direction.
vector equation An equation whose variables are The vector equation of a plane
vectors. containing the points A, B and C is
r = a + λ ( b a ) + μ(c − a ).

vector product or cross An operation which combines two ⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ −1⎞

product three-dimensional vectors a and ⎜ 1⎟ × ⎜ 0⎟ = ⎜ 2⎟
b to produce another vector with ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟
magnitude a b sin θ and direction ⎜⎝ 1⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ −1⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ −1⎟⎠
perpendicular to both a and b.

14 Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012 Glossary
 Definition
velocity A vector quantity describing how
fast an object is moving and in what
direction.
Venn diagram A representation of events as
regions in a rectangular area (which
represents the whole sample space).
vertical asymptote A vertical line of the form x a
where a function is undefined.
vertical line test A way of deciding from a graph
whether a relation is a function.
volume of revolution A solid shape formed by rotating a
curve around an axis.
with respect to A phrase for describing the
controlled variable that is
being changed in the process of
differentiation or integration.
zeros of a polynomial The values of a variable that make an
expression equal to zero.
Z-score In a normal distribution the number
of standard deviations that a
particular value lies above the mean.
Cambridge Mathematics for the IB Diploma Higher Level © Cambridge University Press, 2012
Example
Velocity is the rate of change of
displacement with respect to time.
If events A and B are mutually
exclusive, their Venn diagram will
look like
A B
y ln(x − ) has a vertical
asymptote x = 1.
By the vertical line test, the relation
y ± x is not a function.
The volume of revolution of a
straight line through the origin is
a cone.
The derivative of ax2 with respect
to x is 2ax.
−2 is a zero of x 2 + 5x
5x 6.
In a normal distribution with mean
150 and standard deviation 10, the
value 135 has a Z-score of −1 5 .
Glossary 15