Here’s how to pronounce each of these mathematical operations:
- Addition:
- Pronunciation: /əˈdɪʃən/ (uh-DISH-uhn)
- Breakdown:
- The first syllable “uh” is pronounced with a short ‘u’ sound, like the ‘u’ in “cup.”
- The second syllable “dish” rhymes with “dish” or “wish.”
- The third syllable “uhn” is pronounced like the word “un” or “uhn.”
- When spoken together, “addition” emphasizes the second syllable, with a short ‘i’ sound followed by “dish.”
- Subtraction:
- Pronunciation: /səbˈtrækʃən/ (suhb-TRAK-shuhn)
- Breakdown:
- The first syllable “suhb” is pronounced with a short ‘u’ sound, like the ‘u’ in “submarine.”
- The second syllable “trak” rhymes with “track” or “back.”
- The third syllable “shuhn” is pronounced like the word “shun” or “shuhn.”
- When spoken together, “subtraction” emphasizes the second syllable, with a short ‘a’ sound followed by “trak.”
- Multiplication:
- Pronunciation: /ˌmʌltɪplɪˈkeɪʃən/ (muhl-tuh-plih-KAY-shuhn)
- Breakdown:
- The first syllable “muhl” is pronounced with a short ‘u’ sound, like the ‘u’ in “mud.”
- The second syllable “tuh” is pronounced like the word “tuh” or “tuh.”
- The third syllable “plih” rhymes with “fly” or “cry.”
- The fourth syllable “kay” is pronounced like the letter “k” or “kay.”
- The fifth syllable “shuhn” is pronounced like the word “shun” or “shuhn.”
- When spoken together, “multiplication” emphasizes the third syllable, with a short ‘i’ sound followed by “plih.”
- Division:
- Pronunciation: /dɪˈvɪʒən/ (dih-VIZH-uhn)
- Breakdown:
- The first syllable “dih” is pronounced with a short ‘i’ sound, like the ‘i’ in “dig.”
- The second syllable “vizh” rhymes with “fish” or “wish.”
- The third syllable “uhn” is pronounced like the word “un” or “uhn.”
- When spoken together, “division” emphasizes the second syllable, with a short ‘i’ sound followed by “vizh.”
These pronunciations may vary slightly depending on regional accents, but these guidelines should provide a clear and accurate way to pronounce each term.