Algebra 1 STAAR Review Flashcards

Key Concepts in Algebra 1

• Rate of Change: Equivalent to the slope of a line, indicating how much one variable changes in response to another.
• Independent Variable: Represented by "X"; the value that can be controlled or changed in an equation.
• Dependent Variable: Represented by "Y"; its value depends on the independent variable.
• Solution, Zero, Root: All terms referring to the X-Intercept, where the graph crosses the X-axis (Y=0).

Types of Numbers

• Rational Numbers: Can be expressed as a/b (a and b are integers, b ≠ 0); includes integers, fractions, and decimals that terminate or repeat.
• Irrational Numbers: Cannot be expressed as fractions; includes non-repeating, non-terminating decimals and square roots of non-perfect squares.
• Perfect Squares: Result from squaring an integer; their square roots are always whole numbers.

Algebraic Variables and Functions

• Variables: Symbols representing numbers in equations or expressions.
• Direct Variation: Relationship where an increase in X results in an increase in Y; they vary directly.
• Inverse Variation: Relationship where an increase in X results in a decrease in Y; they vary inversely.

Coordinate Plane Features

• Origin: The point (0,0) where the X and Y axes intersect.
• Quadrants: The four sections of a coordinate plane formed by the X and Y axes.
• X-Axis and Y-Axis: The horizontal and vertical lines on a graph, respectively.

Graphical Transformations

• Translation: A transformation that shifts a graph horizontally and/or vertically without altering its shape.
• Reflection: A transformation that flips a figure over a line, creating a mirror image.

Function Characteristics

• Vertical Line Test: A method to determine if a graph represents a function; a function passes if every vertical line intersects the graph at one point.
• Relation: A set of ordered pairs, representing the relationship between X and Y.
• Domain: The set of all first coordinates (X-values) in a relation.
• Range: The set of all second coordinates (Y-values) in a relation.

Types of Functions

• Linear Function: A function whose graph forms a straight line.
• Slope: Defines the steepness of a line calculated as the change in Y over the change in X.
• Dilation: A transformation resulting in the enlargement or reduction of a figure.

Polynomial Terms

• Monomial: A single term polynomial.
• Polynomials: The sum or difference of multiple monomials.
• Binomial: The sum or difference of two monomials.
• Trinomial: The sum or difference of three monomials.

Specific Functions

• Parabola: The graph shape of a quadratic function.
• Vertex: The highest or lowest point on a parabola.
• Axis of Symmetry: The line that divides a parabola into two mirror-image halves.

Midpoint and Line Concepts

• Midpoint: The point located equidistantly between the endpoints of a segment.
• Slope of a Line: Represents the rate of change between two points on a line.
• Quadratic Formula: A method for solving quadratic equations.
• Slope-Intercept Form: The equation of a line expressed as y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
• Point-Slope Form: Another way to represent the equation of a line, typically used for finding slopes through a given point.

Prepare for the Algebra 1 STAAR with these flashcards. Each card features key terms and definitions that are essential for understanding the concepts of algebra. Boost your knowledge of key terms like rate of change, independent and dependent variables, and rational numbers.