Fundamental Algebra Concepts and Vocabulary

Question 1

absolute value

Accepted Answer

The distance between a real number and zero on a number line.

Question 2

additive inverse

Accepted Answer

The opposite of a number. When added together, the sum is zero.

Question 3

algebraic expression

Accepted Answer

A collection of numbers and variables with at least one arithmetic operation.

Question 4

associative property

Accepted Answer

The grouping of terms within expressions involving addition or multiplication does not change the value. Ex: (a+b) + c = a + (b+c)

Question 5

axis of symmetry

Accepted Answer

The line that divides a graph into two symmetrical parts.

Question 6

base

Accepted Answer

The repeated factor of a number written in exponential form.

Question 7

binomial

Accepted Answer

A two-term polynomial.

Question 8

coefficient

Accepted Answer

The numerical value of a term.

Question 9

combine like terms

Accepted Answer

Adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable(s) and exponent(s).

Question 10

commutative property

Accepted Answer

Changing the order of addition or multiplication does not change the value. Ex: a+b+c = c+a+b

Question 11

compound inequality

Accepted Answer

Two inequalities combined in one statement by the word and or or.

Question 12

consistent system

Accepted Answer

A system of equations with at least one solution.

Question 13

constant

Accepted Answer

A term with no variables.

Question 14

coordinate plane

Accepted Answer

Formed by two number lines that cross each other at zero.

Question 15

coordinates

Accepted Answer

Ordered pairs that identify points on a plane.

Question 16

deductive reasoning

Accepted Answer

The process of using logic to draw conclusions.

Question 17

denominator

Accepted Answer

The lower half of a fraction.

Question 18

dependent system

Accepted Answer

A system of equations that has infinite solutions.

Question 19

difference

Accepted Answer

The answer to a subtraction problem.

Question 20

difference of two squares

Accepted Answer

A binomial whose terms are perfect squares being subtracted.

Question 21

direct variation

Accepted Answer

An equation in the form y=kx, where k does not equal zero.

Question 22

discriminant

Accepted Answer

The expression inside the radical of the quadratic formula.

Question 23

distributive property

Accepted Answer

Used to clear parentheses by multiplying a term on the outside by two or more terms inside the parentheses. Ex: a(b - c) = ab - ac

Question 24

equation

Accepted Answer

A mathematical sentence with an equal sign.

Question 25

evaluate

Accepted Answer

To find the value of an expression by following the order of operations.

Question 26

exponent

Accepted Answer

The number of times a base is multiplied by itself. Also called a power.

Question 27

extraneous solution

Accepted Answer

A result that does not satisfy the original equation or inequality.

Question 28

factor

Accepted Answer

An integer that divides another integer with no remainder.

Question 29

function

Accepted Answer

A relation in which every input (x) has exactly one output (y).

Question 30

function notation

Accepted Answer

When the output (y) of a relation is renamed f(x). Read "f of x".

Question 31

graphing

Accepted Answer

The act of plotting points on a plane to represent a function or relation.

Question 32

greatest common factor

Accepted Answer

The largest number that divides into two terms.

Question 33

grouping symbols

Accepted Answer

Symbols such as parentheses and brackets, which separate terms within an expressions. Others include fraction bars, absolute value, square root, braces, etc.

Question 34

inconsistent system

Accepted Answer

A system of equations that has no solution.

Question 35

independent system

Accepted Answer

A system of equations that has exactly one solution.

Question 36

inequality

Accepted Answer

A sentence using greater than or less than symbols. Also, greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to.

Question 37

integer

Accepted Answer

All whole numbers and their opposites.

Question 38

irrational number

Accepted Answer

Numbers that cannot be expressed as fractions or terminating/repeating decimals.

Question 39

isolate the variable

Accepted Answer

Collecting like terms and using inverse operations to get a variable by itself on one side of a relation.

Question 40

like terms

Accepted Answer

Terms with the same variables raised to the same exponents.

Question 41

linear equation

Accepted Answer

An equation whose variables have an exponent of one and whose graph creates a straight line.

Question 42

monomial

Accepted Answer

An expression with a one term.

Question 43

multiplicative identity property

Accepted Answer

Multiplying a number by one equals that number.

Question 44

multiplicative inverse

Accepted Answer

Two numbers multiplied together that equal one.

Question 45

zero product property

Accepted Answer

Any number multiplied by zero equals zero.

Question 46

natural number

Accepted Answer

The set of counting numbers starting with one.

Question 47

no solution

Accepted Answer

When there is no answer to an equation or inequality.

Question 48

numerator

Accepted Answer

The upper half of a fraction.

Question 49

opposites

Accepted Answer

Numbers that have the same absolute value.

Question 50

order of operations

Accepted Answer

The rules for evaluating an expression.

Question 51

ordered pair

Accepted Answer

A pair of numbers used to identify a point (x, y) on a coordinate plane.

Question 52

origin

Accepted Answer

The intersection of the axes in a coordinate plane.

Question 53

parabola

Accepted Answer

A U-shaped graph created by a quadratic function. Can also be upside down.

Question 54

parallel

Accepted Answer

Lines or planes that never intersect.

Question 55

perfect square

Accepted Answer

A number with a square root that is rational.

Question 56

perpendicular

Accepted Answer

Lines or planes that intersect at right angles.

Question 57

point-slope form

Accepted Answer

An equation of a line in this form:

Question 58

polynomial

Accepted Answer

An expression with one or more monomials being added or subtracted.

Question 59

product

Accepted Answer

The answer to a multiplication problem.

Question 60

property

Accepted Answer

A law that governs mathematics.

Question 61

quadrant

Accepted Answer

One of four regions of a coordinate plane.

Question 62

quadratic expression

Accepted Answer

An expression in this form with a, b and c being numbers.

Question 63

quadratic formula

Accepted Answer

A method of finding roots of a quadratic function by replacing a, b and c with numbers.

Question 64

quotient

Accepted Answer

The answer to a division problem.

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