Math Words that Start with L: Easy Definitions and Examples for Kids

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Last updated: 05/19/2026

Looking for math words that start with L? This guide introduces useful L math vocabulary for elementary students, including length, line, line segment, less than, line of symmetry, liter, and least common multiple.

These words connect to Common Core math topics such as measurement, geometry, comparison, fractions, multiplication, and problem-solving. Each L math word includes a simple definition, a kid-friendly example, and a quick activity so students can understand the term and use it in real math problems.

L Math Words Learning Tool

Math “L” Interactive Toolkit

Master LCM, Like Fractions & Length

Find the Least Common Multiple of two numbers:

LCM is: 12

Like Fractions have the same denominator. Only add the numerators!

Length (Meters – m)

Length (Centimeters – cm)

Metric Conversion: 1m = 100cm

Foundational Math Words That Start With L

Math Word	Simple Definition	Kid-Friendly Example	Fun Application (Try This!)
Length	Length tells how long something is from one end to the other.	A pencil may be 7 inches long.	Use a ruler to measure three objects, then put them in order from shortest to longest.
Line	A line is a straight path that goes on forever in both directions.	A number line can help you count forward and backward.	Draw a straight line with arrows on both ends, then mark numbers on it like a number line.
Line Segment	A line segment is part of a line with two endpoints.	The edge of a ruler is like a line segment because it has a beginning and an end.	Draw three line segments of different lengths and measure each one.
Less Than	Less than means a number is smaller than another number. It uses the < symbol.	4 < 9 means 4 is less than 9.	Write five number pairs and use < or > to compare them.
Line Plot	A line plot is a graph that shows data using marks above a number line.	You can make a line plot to show the lengths of classmates’ pencils.	Measure several small objects and make a line plot to show the results.
Line Graph	A line graph shows how data changes over time.	A line graph can show how a plant grows taller each week.	Track the temperature for 5 days and connect the points to make a line graph.
Line of Symmetry	A line of symmetry divides a shape into two matching halves.	A heart shape may have one line of symmetry down the middle.	Fold a paper shape in half. If both sides match, the fold is a line of symmetry.
Liter	A liter is a metric unit used to measure liquid volume.	A large bottle of water may hold 1 liter.	Look at drink containers at home and find one that shows liters or milliliters.
Least Common Multiple	The least common multiple, or LCM, is the smallest number that two numbers can both divide into evenly.	The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.	List the multiples of 4 and 6, then circle the first number that appears in both lists.
Like Terms	Like terms have the same variable and exponent, so they can be combined.	3x and 5x are like terms because both have x.	Write 2x + 4x and combine the like terms to make 6x.

Advanced L Math Words

Math Word	Simple Definition	Kid-Friendly Example	Fun Application (Try This!)
Linear Equation	A linear equation is an equation whose graph makes a straight line.	y = 2x + 1 is a linear equation.	Make a table for y = x + 2, then plot the points and connect them.
Linear Function	A linear function changes at a constant rate.	If you earn $5 each week, your total money grows by the same amount each week.	Start at 0 and add 5 again and again. Write the pattern and graph it.
Leading Coefficient	The leading coefficient is the number in front of the highest-degree term.	In 4x^2 + 3x + 1, the leading coefficient is 4.	Circle the highest-degree term in three expressions, then underline its coefficient.
Lateral Area	Lateral area is the area around the sides of a 3D shape, not including the bases.	The side faces of a cereal box are part of its lateral area.	Wrap paper around the sides of a box and notice which faces are covered.
Logarithm	A logarithm asks what exponent is needed to make a number.	log₂ 8 = 3 because 2^3 = 8.	Write powers of 2: 2, 4, 8, 16. Then match each number to its exponent.
Limit	A limit describes the value a function gets close to.	As you walk toward a door, your distance to the door gets closer to 0.	Walk halfway to a wall, then halfway again. Talk about how the distance keeps getting smaller.
Local Maximum	A local maximum is a high point on a graph compared with nearby points.	The top of a small hill on a graph is a local maximum.	Draw a wavy line and circle the peaks. Each peak can be a local maximum.
Locus	A locus is a set of points that follow the same rule.	All points the same distance from a center form a circle.	Put a dot in the center of paper. Use a compass to draw points the same distance away.

Arithmetic & Algebra Related L Math Words

Term	Short Definition	Example
Least Common Multiple (LCM)	Smallest shared multiple of two numbers	LCM(6, 8) = 24
Like Terms	Terms with same variable and exponent	2x + 3x are like terms
Leading Coefficient	The coefficient of the highest-degree term	In 5x³ + 2x², LC = 5
Less Than (<)	Relationship where one number is smaller	3 < 5

Math Vocabulary A–Z Word Lists

Letter	Article Link
A	Math Words That Start With A
B	Math Words That Start With B
C	Math Words That Start With C
D	Math Words That Start With D
E	Math Words That Start With E
F	Math Words That Start With F
G	Math Words That Start With G
H	Math Words That Start With H
I	Math Words That Start With I
J	Math Words That Start With J
K	Math Words That Start With K
L	Math Words That Start With L(This Article)
M	Math Words That Start With M
N	Math Words That Start With N
O	Math Words That Start With O
P	Math Words That Start With P
Q	Math Words That Start With Q
R	Math Words That Start With R
S	Math Words That Start With S
T	Math Words That Start With T
U	Math Words That Start With U
V	Math Words That Start With V
W	Math Words That Start With W
X	Math Words That Start With X
Y	Math Words That Start With Y
Z	Math Words That Start With Z

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