OCR · GCSE · J560
Mathematics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Higher Tier (J560)
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.
OCR GCSE Mathematics (J560)
OCR GCSE Mathematics (J560)
OCR GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Higher Tier (J560)
Aligned to the OCR GCSE Mathematics J560 Higher tier specification covering number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and measures, probability and statistics.
Mark schemes: OCR mark schemes award method marks for a correct approach and accuracy marks for the final value. Use precise mathematical vocabulary, exact surd or fractional forms when asked, and show all algebraic steps.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Number & algebra | Essential | Surd | An irrational root that cannot be simplified to a rational number, e.g. √2. | |
| 1. Number & algebra | Core | Index laws | Rules for combining powers: aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ; (aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐⁿ. | |
| 1. Number & algebra | Core | Simultaneous equations | Two equations in two unknowns solved together by elimination or substitution. | |
| 1. Number & algebra | Advanced | Quadratic formula | x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a for ax² + bx + c = 0. | |
| 1. Number & algebra | Advanced | Completing the square | Rewriting x² + bx + c in the form (x + p)² + q to find roots or turning points. | |
| 2. Ratio & proportion | Essential | Ratio | Comparison of two or more quantities written in the form a : b. | |
| 2. Ratio & proportion | Core | Direct proportion | Two quantities increase together at a constant rate; y = kx. | |
| 2. Ratio & proportion | Core | Inverse proportion | As one quantity increases, the other decreases; y = k/x. | |
| 2. Ratio & proportion | Core | Percentage change | (New − original) ÷ original × 100, including compound interest contexts. | |
| 2. Ratio & proportion | Advanced | Compound measures | Quantities derived from others, e.g. speed, density, pressure. | |
| 3. Geometry & trigonometry | Essential | Pythagoras' theorem | In a right-angled triangle, a² + b² = c² where c is the hypotenuse. | |
| 3. Geometry & trigonometry | Core | SOHCAHTOA | Right-angled trig: sin = opp/hyp, cos = adj/hyp, tan = opp/adj. | |
| 3. Geometry & trigonometry | Core | Sine rule | a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C for any triangle. | |
| 3. Geometry & trigonometry | Core | Cosine rule | a² = b² + c² − 2bc cos A for any triangle. | |
| 3. Geometry & trigonometry | Advanced | Area of a triangle | Area = ½ab·sinC using two sides and the included angle. | |
| 4. Probability & statistics | Essential | Probability | A measure of likelihood from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain). | |
| 4. Probability & statistics | Core | Conditional probability | Probability of one event given another has already occurred. | |
| 4. Probability & statistics | Core | Interquartile range (IQR) | Upper quartile minus lower quartile; a measure of spread. | |
| 4. Probability & statistics | Advanced | Frequency density | Frequency ÷ class width; used as the height of bars in a histogram. | |
| 4. Probability & statistics | Advanced | Tree diagram | Branching diagram for combined events with probabilities multiplied along branches. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Mathematics (J560) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR GCSE Mathematics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important mathematics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to OCR GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Higher Tier (J560) (J560). 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 (J560) 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 J560 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Higher Tier (J560) for OCR 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.