How to Sign "Math"

To sign 'math', form both hands into 'M' handshapes by tucking your thumbs under your first three fingers. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing toward you. Swing your hands together so the fingers cross over each other like an 'X', brushing past each other twice.

Examples Using "Math" in a Sentence

1

I have a math test tomorrow.

Sign 'math' using the crossing 'M' handshapes, then sign 'test', and finish with 'tomorrow' to establish the timeline of the event.

2

Math is my favorite subject.

Point to yourself, sign 'favorite' by tapping your middle finger to your chin, then sign 'math', and finally 'class' or 'subject'.

3

I need help with my math homework.

Sign 'math', then 'homework', followed by the sign for 'help' moving toward yourself to indicate that you are the one receiving the assistance.

How to Sign "Math"
To sign 'math', form both hands into 'M' handshapes by tucking your thumbs under your first three fingers. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing toward you. Swing your hands together so the fingers cross over each other like an 'X', brushing past each other twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of an initialized sign combined with visual imagery. It uses the 'M' handshape representing the first letter of the English word 'math', while the crossing movement visually mimics a multiplication sign (X).
Signing Tips
Ensure your 'M' handshapes are clear, with the thumb tucked neatly under the first three fingers. Keep the crossing movement crisp and contained within your chest area. The brushing motion should be light and bounce slightly, which is typical for noun signs in ASL.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using 'A' or 'S' handshapes instead of 'M' handshapes. Beginners also sometimes cross their entire forearms rather than just bringing the hands together to cross at the fingers. Remember to cross the hands twice, as a single movement might look like a verb rather than a noun.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Math" in a Sentence
1

I have a math test tomorrow.

Sign 'math' using the crossing 'M' handshapes, then sign 'test', and finish with 'tomorrow' to establish the timeline of the event.

2

Math is my favorite subject.

Point to yourself, sign 'favorite' by tapping your middle finger to your chin, then sign 'math', and finally 'class' or 'subject'.

3

I need help with my math homework.

Sign 'math', then 'homework', followed by the sign for 'help' moving toward yourself to indicate that you are the one receiving the assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign for math use 'M' hands?

This is an initialized sign, meaning it uses the first letter of the English word ('M' for math) while incorporating a movement that represents the concept. In this case, the movement looks like a multiplication symbol.

Is the sign for 'algebra' or 'geometry' the same?

No, specific branches of math have their own initialized signs. For example, 'algebra' uses 'A' handshapes, and 'geometry' uses 'G' handshapes, but they both follow the exact same crossing movement as 'math'.

Do I cross my hands once or twice?

You should cross and brush your hands twice. In ASL, nouns typically have a double movement, while verbs have a single movement. Since 'math' is a noun, it gets the double motion.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!