Algebra

What’s a prime factor in understanding algebra? Learning the essential vocabulary! Review this list of words and you'll see a radical improvement in your understanding of algebraic expressions and equations, polynomials, inequalities, and much more.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. absolute value
    a real number regardless of its sign
  2. additive inverse
    one of a pair of numbers whose sum is zero
  3. axis
    a straight line through a body or figure
  4. binomial
    a quantity expressed as a sum or difference of two terms
  5. binomial theorem
    a theorem giving the expansion of a binomial raised to a given power
  6. coefficient
    a constant number that serves as a measure of some property
  7. complex number
    (mathematics) a number of the form a+bi where a and b are real numbers and i is the square root of -1
  8. constant
    a number representing a quantity with a fixed value
  9. coordinate system
    a system that uses coordinates to establish position
  10. cube root
    a number that when multiplied three times equals a given number
  11. derive
    reason by deduction; establish by deduction
  12. domain
    a set of possible values of the independent variable
  13. equation
    a mathematical statement that two expressions are the same
  14. equivalent
    being essentially comparable to something
  15. exponent
    notation of how many times to multiply a quantity by itself
  16. exponential decay
    a decrease that follows an exponential function
  17. exponential function
    a function in which an independent variable appears as an exponent
  18. expression
    a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement
  19. factor
    resolve into numbers that form a product when multiplied
  20. factorization
    breaking down an integer or polynomial into its divisors
  21. finite
    bounded in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent
  22. formula
    a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement
  23. fraction
    the quotient of two rational numbers
  24. function
    a mathematical relation associating elements between sets
  25. geometric series
    a geometric progression written as a sum
  26. graph
    a visual representation of the relations between quantities
  27. greatest common factor
    the largest integer that divides without remainder into a set of integers
  28. identity
    an operator that leaves an element unchanged
  29. imaginary number
    (mathematics) a number of the form a+bi where a and b are real numbers and i is the square root of -1
  30. integer
    any natural number or its negative, or zero
  31. intercept
    the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis
  32. intersect
    meet or cross at a point; overlap
  33. inverse
    something inverted in sequence or character or effect
  34. irrational number
    a real number that cannot be expressed as a rational number
  35. linear equation
    a polynomial equation of the first degree
  36. logarithm
    the exponent required to produce a given number
  37. matrix
    an array of quantities set out by rows and columns
  38. maximum
    the point on a curve where the tangent changes
  39. minimum
    the point on a curve where the tangent changes
  40. multiplicative inverse
    (mathematics) one of a pair of numbers whose product is 1: the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2; the multiplicative inverse of 7 is 1/7
  41. operation
    a calculation by mathematical methods
  42. parabola
    a symmetrical, approximately U-shaped curve
  43. parallel
    being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting
  44. point
    a geometric element that has position but no extension
  45. polynomial
    a mathematical function that is the sum of a number of terms
  46. product
    a quantity obtained by multiplication
  47. quadrant
    any of the four areas into which a plane is divided
  48. quadratic
    a polynomial of the second degree
  49. quadratic equation
    an equation in which the highest power of an unknown quantity is a square
  50. radical
    a quantity expressed as the root of another quantity
  51. range
    the set of values that is the output of a function
  52. rational
    capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers
  53. rational number
    an integer or the quotient of two integers
  54. real number
    any rational or irrational number
  55. recursive
    characterized by repetition
  56. sequence
    serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order
  57. series
    the sum of a finite or infinite sequence of expressions
  58. set
    (mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols
  59. simplify
    make easier or reduce in complexity or extent
  60. slope
    the property of a line that departs from the horizontal
  61. square
    raise to the second power
  62. square root
    a number that when multiplied by itself equals a given number
  63. term
    any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial
  64. transform
    change from one medium into another
  65. variable
    a symbol that is used in mathematical or logical expressions
  66. vector
    a quantity that has magnitude and direction
Created on Fri Feb 10 10:21:13 EST 2017 (updated Wed Mar 29 15:55:12 EDT 2017)

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