If you’ve ever helped someone with homework or glanced at a math worksheet, you’ve probably stumbled upon a phrase like “12 more than 8” and paused for a second.
It looks simple it’s just English, right? But somehow, the wording can feel a little confusing, especially for kids or anyone learning math terms.
I remember seeing questions like “What is 7 more than 15?” and thinking… why don’t they just say add?
If you’ve been in the same situation, don’t worry you’re not alone!
Quick Answer:
In math, “more than” means you should add. It’s a simple and clear way of saying increase the number by a given amount.
🧠 What Does “More Than” Mean in Math?
In math, “more than” means addition you take a number and increase it by another number.
Example:
“5 more than 9” means 9 + 5 = 14.
The phrase always refers to adding the value that comes before the words “more than” to the value that comes after it.
In short: “more than” = add = increase the number.
📱 Where Is “More Than” Commonly Used?
You’ll find “more than” in many math-related places, including:
- 📘 School math textbooks
- ✏️ Word problems
- 🔢 Math exams and quizzes
- 📚 Competitive tests
- 🧮 Everyday problem-solving
It is considered a formal and academic phrase, mainly used in math explanations and written problems rather than casual conversations.
💬 Examples of “More Than” in Conversation (Math Context)
Here are simple, real-life chat-style examples showing how “more than” appears when discussing math:
A: what does “6 more than 10” mean?
B: it means 10 + 6 👍
A: my teacher asked “12 more than x.” what do i do?
B: that’s x + 12 😊
A: is “more than” always addition?
B: yep! always add.
A: so “3 more than 20” is?
B: 23!
A: i’m checking… “y more than 5” = ?
B: 5 + y ✔️
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use “More Than”
✅ When to Use
- When solving math word problems
- When describing increases
- When expressing addition
- When comparing amounts
- In academic or instructional settings
❌ When Not to Use
- In formal math equations (use + instead)
- In urgent instructions (too wordy)
- In non-math contexts where clarity is needed
- In scientific or technical data writing
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
| Math Word Problem | “What is 9 more than 4?” | Clear instruction to add |
| Teaching Kids | “5 more than 2 makes 7” | Simple and friendly |
| Everyday Use | “You need 10 more than this” | Explains an increase |
| Math Equation | “x + 7” | Standard symbolic form |
🔄 Similar Math Phrases or Alternatives
| Phrase | Meaning | When to Use |
| Plus | Addition | In simple math equations |
| Increased by | Add a specific amount | Word problems, explanations |
| Added to | Combine values | Teaching or instructions |
| Sum of | Result of adding | Formal math language |
| Total of | Overall amount | Real-life or financial contexts |
| Greater than | Comparison, not addition | Inequalities only |
FAQs
Q1: Does “more than” always mean add?
Yes! In math, it always signals addition.
Q2: Does word order matter?
Yes. “6 more than 10” means 10 + 6, not 6 + 10 (though the result is the same).
Q3: Is “more than” used in algebra?
Absolutely e.g., “x more than 5” = 5 + x.
Q4: Is “more than” the same as “greater than”?
No.
More than = add
Greater than (>) = compare
Q5: Can “more than” be used in daily conversation?
Yes, but it’s more common in math settings.
🏁 Conclusion
“More than” is one of those math phrases that looks simple but can confuse learners because it’s written in everyday language rather than symbols.
Now you know that whenever you see “more than,” it means add increase the amount by the number mentioned before the phrase.
If you’re solving equations, guiding kids through homework, or brushing up on math vocabulary, this phrase is easy to master once you understand it.
