Mathematics can often feel overwhelming due to its abstract concepts, complex formulas, and intricate relationships between ideas. However, one powerful tool can simplify these challenges: concept maps.In this guide, we’ll explore how concept mapping maths can transform the way you learn and teach mathematics, offering step-by-step guidance and real-world examples to help you get started.
What Are Concept Maps in Mathematics?
A concept map in mathematics is a visual tool that helps students and educators organize and connect mathematical ideas. It represents concepts as nodes, with relationships depicted through labeled links, forming a structured hierarchy. By visually mapping out key mathematical principles, formulas, and problem-solving techniques, concept maps provide a clearer understanding of how different concepts interrelate.
How to Create a Concept Map for Mathematics
Creating a concept map in mathematics is a structured yet flexible way to visualize complex math topics and their interconnections. By organizing key ideas, formulas, and problem-solving strategies, students can develop a deeper understanding of mathematical relationships.
Step 1: Choose a Central Mathematical Topic
Start by selecting a broad mathematical concept that serves as the foundation of your concept map. This could be a major branch of mathematics (e.g., Algebra, Geometry, Calculus) or a specific topic (e.g., Quadratic Equations, Trigonometry, Probability). Place this concept at the center of your math concept map as the main node.
Step 2: Identify Key Ideas and Subtopics
Next, brainstorm related ideas, formulas, theorems, or problem-solving techniques that branch out from your central concept. For example:
- If your central topic is Algebra, key subtopics might include Linear Equations, Polynomials, and Functions.
- If focusing on Geometry, you might include Shapes, Angles, and Theorems.
Each of these subtopics forms a secondary node connected to the main topic.
Step 3: Establish Connections and Relationships
Use linking phrases to define how different concepts relate to each other. These connections help structure the concept map of mathematics logically. For example:
- Pythagorean Theorem → Applies to → Right-Angle Triangles
- Derivatives → Measure → Rate of Change in Calculus
- Fractions → Can Be Converted to → Decimals and Percentages
Step 4: Integrate Formulas and Problem-Solving Strategies
To make your math concept map more useful, add relevant formulas and problem-solving techniques. For instance:
- Under Quadratic Equations, include the quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
- Under Probability, add the formula: P(A) = Number of favorable outcomes / Total outcomes
Step 5: Format the Concept Map for Better Clarity
Organize the map in a clear, hierarchical manner:
- The main topic at the center or top
- Subtopics branching out
- Connections between related ideas
Consider using color coding, shapes, or Creately’s digital concept map templates to enhance readability and engagement.
By following these steps, students and educators can create effective concept maps in mathematics to simplify learning and strengthen problem-solving skills. A concept map maker can make this process easier and faster.
Concept Map Examples for Different Branches of Mathematics
A concept map in mathematics visually represents how different mathematical ideas are interconnected, making learning more structured and engaging. Below are examples of math concept maps for key branches of mathematics, showcasing how concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques relate to one another.
1. Algebra Concept Map Example
2. Geometry Concept Map Example
3. Calculus Concept Map Example
4. Statistics Concept Map Example
How Different Types of Concept Maps Help in Teaching and Learning Mathematics
Different types of concept maps used in mathematics can be adapted to suit various teaching approaches and student learning styles. By structuring mathematical concepts visually, these maps enhance comprehension and retention. Here’s how different types of concept mapping maths can be effectively applied in teaching mathematics:
- Hierarchical Concept Maps: Best for organizing broad mathematical topics into structured subcategories. For example, a concept map for calculus can be broken down into derivatives, integrals, and limits, showing their relationships.
- Flowchart Concept Maps: Useful for illustrating problem-solving sequences. A math concept map for quadratic equations, for instance, can visually map the process from setting up equations to finding the roots.
- Spider Maps: Great for brainstorming around a central mathematical concept. In geometry, for instance, a concept map exploring angles can branch out into different types, such as acute, obtuse, and right angles, with explanations and examples for each.
- Comparative Concept Maps: Effective for comparing and contrasting topics. For example, a mathematics concept map can compare perimeter, area, and volume, illustrating how each measurement applies to different geometric shapes and their real-world applications.
Using concept mapping in teaching mathematics creates an interactive, visual learning experience that helps students grasp abstract concepts, recognize connections, and develop a deeper understanding of mathematics.
Helpful Resources
Explore how concept mapping is a dynamic and visual note-taking method that facilitates a deeper learning experience and enhances the retention of information.
Learn how to use concept maps in science education to organize and structure knowledge effectively to enhance scientific understanding and make complex information more accessible.
Discover ways to enhance classroom lessons and help students study more effectively
Explore how concept mapping in research can simplify the process of visualizing your ideas, enhance your critical thinking, and improve your research outcomes.
Why Creately Is an Effective Tool for Concept Mapping in Mathematics
Using the right tools can make creating concept maps in mathematics easier, more efficient, and visually engaging. Creately provide a seamless way to design, edit, and share math concept maps, helping both students and educators structure mathematical concepts effectively.
1. Seamless Editing & Real-Time Collaboration
With Creately, students and teachers can collaboratively create, modify, and expand their mathematics concept maps in real time. Whether working on individual assignments or group projects, users can share and edit maps simultaneously, making it an excellent tool for interactive learning and remote collaboration.
2. Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Functionality
Creately’s user-friendly interface enables the quick addition of nodes, links, and mathematical symbols without complex formatting. This feature allows students to structure their ideas visually while educators can build engaging lesson materials without needing advanced design skills.
3. Rich Integration with Learning Resources
Concept maps created in Creately can be linked to lecture notes, textbook references, formulas, videos, and external documents for deeper exploration. This interconnected approach helps learners understand how different mathematical concepts relate to one another and enhances long-term retention.
4. Enhanced Visual Clarity & Organization
Creately supports customizable color coding, diagram styles, icons, and layout options to create visually engaging and structured math concept maps. Users can highlight key concepts, group related ideas, and differentiate between various mathematical branches, making complex topics easier to grasp.
Benefits of Using Concept Maps in Mathematics for Learning and Problem-Solving
Concept maps in mathematics offer numerous benefits for both learning and problem-solving. By visually organizing complex mathematical concepts, they enhance understanding, improve retention, and make abstract topics more accessible.
1. Concept Maps in Mathematics Enhance Understanding and Retention
Mathematics concept maps present information in a connected, visual format, making it easier to see relationships between concepts. This structure benefits learners by:
- Activating Visual Memory – Concept maps use diagrams, colors, and structured layouts to help students recall key formulas and problem-solving methods more effectively.
- Encouraging Active Learning – Instead of passively reading, students engage with the material by mapping out connections, which strengthens long-term retention.
- Simplifying Complex Information – A well-designed concept map for mathematics condenses large topics into concise, interconnected ideas, making them easier to review before exams.
2. Concept Mapping in Mathematics Helps in Breaking Down Complex Topics
Mathematics often involves abstract theories, intricate formulas, and multi-step problem-solving processes. Concept mapping maths helps simplify these complexities by:
- Showing Step-by-Step Relationships – Concept maps illustrate the logical flow of mathematical procedures, such as solving equations, differentiating functions, or analyzing data.
- Organizing Hierarchical Knowledge – Topics can be broken into primary (main concept), secondary (subtopics), and tertiary (examples, formulas, applications) layers for better understanding.
- Clarifying Connections Between Concepts – For example, a math concept map on algebra can demonstrate how polynomials relate to quadratic equations, factoring methods, and graphing.
3. Real-World Applications in Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Mathematical concepts extend beyond the classroom into real-world applications, and concept maps in mathematics encourage students to develop problem-solving and analytical skills by:
- Applying Theoretical Knowledge Practically – Concept maps help learners connect mathematical principles to real-world scenarios, such as finance (interest calculations), engineering (geometry in design), and statistics (data interpretation).
- Developing Critical Thinking Skills – When students create concept map examples in mathematics, they analyze relationships between topics, categorize information, and find logical connections, all of which are essential for deeper reasoning.
- Improving Exam Performance – Concept maps can serve as quick reference guides for problem-solving techniques, helping students recall methods and formulas more efficiently during assessments.
By incorporating concept mapping maths into their study routine, students can build a strong foundation in mathematics, improve their ability to connect ideas, and develop a structured approach to tackling mathematical challenges.
FAQs on Concept Maps in Mathematics
How can concept maps help with learning mathematics?
Can I create a concept map for any branch of mathematics?
What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map in mathematics?
What Are the Key Elements of a Concept Map in Mathematics?
- Nodes (Concepts): Represent individual mathematical ideas, such as equations, theorems, or problem-solving strategies.
- Links (Relationships): Connect different nodes, showing how concepts relate to one another. These links may include descriptions like “leads to,” “is part of,” or “depends on.”
- Hierarchy (Structure): Organizes concepts from general to specific. For example, “Geometry” may be a broad category, with “Triangles,” “Angles,” and “Pythagorean Theorem” as subcategories.
Resources:
Awofala, A.O.A. (2011). Effect of Concept Mapping Strategy on Students’ Achievement in Junior Secondary School Mathematics. International Journal of Mathematics Trends and Technology - IJMTT, [online] 2. doi:https://doi.org/10.14445/22315373/IJMTT-V2I3P504.
Evans, T. and Jeong, I. (2023). Concept maps as assessment for learning in university mathematics. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 113(3), pp.475–498. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-023-10209-0.
Williams, C.G. (2025). Concept Maps as Research Tools in Mathematics. [online] Ed.gov. Available at: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED390933.