Basic mathematical operations

Addition

Reading a basic equation is simple: use the numbers, the word plus, and on (is) to represent the equals sign.

Three plus two is five.
Kolme plus kaksi on viisi.

Calculating and Tools

To solve a math problem, use the verb laskea (to calculate). An equation is an yhtälö. For bigger numbers, you might need a laskin (calculator).

I must calculate this equation. Where is the calculator?
Minun täytyy laskea tämä yhtälö. Missä laskin on?

Subtraction

For vähennyslasku (subtraction), use the word miinus (minus). To ask someone to solve a problem, start with paljonko on (how much is).

This subtraction is too difficult for me.
Tämä vähennyslasku on minulle liian vaikea.
How much is ten minus four?
Paljonko on kymmenen miinus neljä?

Multiplication

The noun for multiplication is kertolasku. When reading an equation out loud, say kertaa (times) between the numbers.

Two times three is six.
Kaksi kertaa kolme on kuusi.

Division

Finally, jakolasku is division. The names for most mathematical operations end in -lasku, which comes from the verb laskea (to calculate).

Is this division too difficult?
Onko tämä jakolasku liian vaikea?
We must practice division together.
Meidän täytyy harjoitella jakolaskua yhdessä.