5 Things You Learned in Math Class to Throw Away

5 Outdated Math Phrases to Toss—and What to Say Instead

Did you learn these five common phrases in math class growing up? The truth is, they likely are doing more harm than good. The words we use shape our understanding, and some of the phrases we learned as kids can actually make math more confusing. If we want to help our children develop strong math foundations, it’s time to rethink how we talk about these concepts.

Let’s dive into five outdated math phrases to toss—and what to say instead.

1. “Reduce the Fraction” 

The word “reduce” suggests making something smaller, but 5/10 isn’t smaller than 1/2—they’re equal! When we use misleading language, it can create misconceptions about what’s actually happening. Instead, try saying “rename the fraction” to emphasize that we’re finding an equivalent form, not making it smaller.

2. “Move the Decimal Point” 

Despite what many of us were taught when multiplying or dividing decimals, the decimal point does not actually move—it stays fixed between the ones and tenths place. What’s really happening is that the digits are shifting based on place value. Instead of saying “move the decimal point,” try saying “shift the digits” to help kids develop a stronger understanding of place value.

3. “Carry the One” 

If you were taught to “carry the one” when adding, you’re not alone! But this phrase completely skips over the why behind the math. Instead of simply carrying a number, we’re regrouping or trading smaller place values into larger ones such as 10 ones for one 10. Saying “regroup”  or “trade” helps reinforce the place value concept and builds deeper understanding.

4. “Improper Fraction”

There’s nothing improper about 4/3! Calling it “improper” can make it seem like something is wrong with it or that it is not a fraction at all. Instead, try referring to it as a “fraction greater than one”—or just call it a fraction (because that’s what it is).

5. “Multiplication Always Makes Things Bigger” 

This phrase might seem true at first, but it falls apart when we introduce fractions, decimals, and negative numbers. Multiplying by a fraction or a negative number doesn’t always make a number larger. Instead, help kids build a more flexible understanding by saying “multiplication changes the value” and exploring different scenarios together. It’s okay if your child comes up with the idea that multiplication makes things bigger on their own. To address this, you might just say, “I love that you are looking for patterns in your mathematical work. That’s exactly what mathematicians do. It is true that right now we are seeing that multiplication always gives us a bigger answer. That’s because of the numbers we are working with. Later on in math, when you start working with different types of numbers, you might find this isn’t always true.” 

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever heard or said these phrases, you’re not alone! Many of us grew up with them and your child may still even be hearing them in the classroom, but by shifting our language, we can help kids build stronger, more accurate mathematical thinking.

What other math phrases have you heard that might need an update? Can you think of any other math phrases that don’t make sense when you think about your own math learning journey?