A1 noun Neutral

theorem

/ˈθɪərəm/

A theorem is a rule in mathematics or science that has been proven to be true using logic. It is a statement that follows from other facts and is often used to solve complex problems.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I used a basic theorem to help me calculate the distance.

I used a basic theorem to help me calculate the distance.

2

The professor published a paper demonstrating a new mathematical theorem.

The professor published a paper demonstrating a new mathematical theorem.

3

Do you remember the theorem we talked about in school today?

Do you remember the theorem we talked about in school today?

Word Family

Noun
theorem
Verb
theorize
Adverb
theoretically
Adjective
theoretical
Related
theory
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'm' at the end of theorem as standing for 'Math.' A theorem is a math theory that is 100% proven.

Quick Quiz

The student had to _______ the theorem during the math competition.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prove

Examples

1

I used a basic theorem to help me calculate the distance.

everyday

I used a basic theorem to help me calculate the distance.

2

The professor published a paper demonstrating a new mathematical theorem.

formal

The professor published a paper demonstrating a new mathematical theorem.

3

Do you remember the theorem we talked about in school today?

informal

Do you remember the theorem we talked about in school today?

4

Students must understand the Pythagorean theorem before starting the geometry exam.

academic

Students must understand the Pythagorean theorem before starting the geometry exam.

5

The architectural design relies on a specific geometric theorem for structural stability.

business

The architectural design relies on a specific geometric theorem for structural stability.

Word Family

Noun
theorem
Verb
theorize
Adverb
theoretically
Adjective
theoretical
Related
theory

Common Collocations

prove a theorem prove a theorem
mathematical theorem mathematical theorem
apply a theorem apply a theorem
fundamental theorem fundamental theorem
Pythagorean theorem Pythagorean theorem

Common Phrases

Pythagoras' theorem

Pythagoras' theorem

binomial theorem

binomial theorem

limit theorem

limit theorem

Often Confused With

theorem vs theory

A theory is a general idea or explanation, while a theorem is a specific, proven rule in mathematics.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'theorem' is primarily used in mathematics and logic to describe a statement that has been formally proven. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing academic subjects.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'theory' when they mean 'theorem.' Remember that a theorem is a proven fact, while a theory might still be tested.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'm' at the end of theorem as standing for 'Math.' A theorem is a math theory that is 100% proven.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'theōrēma,' which means 'a thing to be looked at' or 'a sight.'

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: theorems Often followed by a name (e.g., Fermat's theorem)

Quick Quiz

The student had to _______ the theorem during the math competition.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prove

More science words

hypothesize

B2

To suggest a possible explanation for something based on limited evidence, used as a starting point for further investigation.

velocity

A1

Velocity describes how fast an object moves in a specific direction. It is a technical word for speed used often in science and math.

momentum

A1

Momentum is the power that a moving object has to keep moving. It depends on how heavy the object is and how fast it is going. It is also used to describe a plan or project that is growing and becoming more successful.

magnetism

A1

Magnetism is a physical force that pulls certain metals toward each other or pushes them away. It is also used to describe a special charm that attracts people to a person.

radiation

A1

Radiation is energy that travels through space as waves or very small particles. It comes from natural sources like the sun and from machines like X-rays in hospitals.

wavelength

A1

Wavelength is the distance between two peaks of a light or sound wave. It is also used to describe when people have the same ideas and understand each other.

optics

A1

Optics is the branch of science that studies light and how it interacts with things like lenses and mirrors. In modern usage, it also refers to how an event or action is seen by the public.

thermodynamics

A1

Thermodynamics is the study of heat and how it moves. It explains how energy changes from one form to another, such as how heat can turn into movement.

atom

A1

An atom is the smallest possible part of a chemical element. Everything in the world is made of millions of these very tiny particles.

reaction

A1

A reaction is a response to an action or a situation. In science, it is what happens when two or more substances are mixed together to create a change.

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