Algebra Basics Flashcards

Algebra Basics

• Absolute Value: Distance from a number to zero on the number line, represented as |n|, always yields a positive outcome regardless if n is positive or negative.

• Binomial: An algebraic expression composed of two terms, such as 4x + x³.

• Coefficient: A numerical factor preceding a variable in an expression, for example, in 2x, the coefficient is 2.

• Distributive Property: A method of multiplying a number by an expression in parentheses, exemplified as 2(x+y) = 2x + 2y.

• Evaluate: The process of calculating the value of an expression or solving an equation.

• Exponent: Indicates the power to which a base is raised, representing the number of times the base is multiplied by itself.

• Factor: A number that divides another number evenly; also refers to expressing a number or algebraic expression as a product of terms.

• FOIL: A technique for multiplying two binomials, standing for First, Inner, Outer, Last to organize the multiplication of terms.

• Like Terms: Terms sharing the same variable raised to identical powers, making them compatible for addition or subtraction.

• Order of Operations: The prescribed sequence for performing operations in an expression, crucial for accurate calculations.

• PEMDAS: An acronym denoting the Order of Operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.

• Place Value: Represents the numerical significance of a digit based on its position, for instance, in 35.6, the digit 3 indicates thirty.

• Polynomials: Algebraic expressions composed of multiple terms that may include like or unlike terms.

• Power: The result of multiplying a base by itself a specified number of times.

• Scientific Notation: A method for expressing numbers in the form of 10^n, useful for representing very large or small values.

• Simplify an Expression: To perform all possible operations within an expression, condensing it to its simplest form.

• Square Root: A number that, when multiplied by itself, yields a specified quantity, e.g., the square root of 49 is 7.

• Term: A single mathematical component, which may be a number, variable, or a combination thereof, such as 2, x, or 2x.

• Unknown/Variable: A symbol, typically a letter, that denotes a value not yet determined in an equation.