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IB Command Terms
IB Math Command Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Calculate | Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working. |
| Comment | Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation. |
| Compare | Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout. |
| Compare and contrast | Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout. |
| Construct | Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form. |
| Contrast | Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout. |
| Deduce | Reach a conclusion from the information given. |
| Demonstrate | Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application. |
| Describe | Give a detailed account. |
| Determine | Obtain the only possible answer. |
| Differentiate | Obtain the derivative of a function. |
| Distinguish | Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items. |
| Draw | Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. |
| Estimate | Obtain an approximate value. |
| Explain | Give a detailed account including reasons or causes. |
| Find | Obtain an answer showing relevant stages in the working. |
| Hence | Use the preceding work to obtain the required result. |
| Hence or otherwise | It is suggested that the preceding work is used, but other methods could also receive credit. |
| Identify | Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. |
| Integrate | Obtain the integral of a function. |
| Interpret | Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions from given information. |
| Investigate | Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. |
| Justify | Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion. |
| Label | Add labels to a diagram. |
| List | Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation. |
| Plot | Mark the position of points on a diagram. |
| Predict | Give an expected result. |
| Prove | Use a sequence of logical steps to obtain the required result in a formal way. |
| Show | Give the steps in a calculation or derivation. |
| Show that | Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally require the use of a calculator. |
| Sketch | Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labelled as appropriate). |
| Solve | Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods. |
| State | Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation. |
| Suggest | Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer. |
| Verify | Provide evidence that validates the result. |
| Write down | Obtain the answer(s), usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is required. Working does not need to be shown. |