noun
theorem
THEE-uh-ruhm
noun
1
A mathematical statement that has been formally proven true.
"Every student learns the Pythagorean theorem in geometry class."
"The proof of the theorem took the mathematician years to complete."
How to Use Theorem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA proven mathematical rule or fact, as opposed to a guess or unproven idea.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "theory", which can mean an unproven explanation — a theorem in maths is proven, not speculative.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
prove a theorem
Pythagorean theorem
Word Forms
theoremed past tense, theorems plural, theorems singular
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Every student learns the Pythagorean _____ in geometry class.
Etymology
From Greek theorema ("proposition to be proved"), related to theoria ("theory") and theatre.